If your child has additional needs, toilet training is still possible! Most children can be taught to use the toilet independently just like any other child. It just might take longer and you’ll need to give them more support.
To help you on your toilet training adventure, we’ve pulled together helpful toilet training resources for children with additional needs. Whether your child has delayed development, sensory processing or a physical disability, there’s plenty of support and information out there.
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How to toilet train a child with additional needs
Toilet training resources: a quick guide
Autism and toilet training support
Sensory needs and toilet training support
Blind and visually impaired toilet training support
Down syndrome and toilet training support
Cerebral palsy and toilet training support
Toilet training tips for children with additional needs
How to toilet train a child with additional needs
You know your child best, so how you approach toilet training will depend on their ability. Don’t feel like you have to go it alone. Talk to your doctor or specialist and trained professionals. Reach out to charities and support groups. Being armed with the facts will help you feel more confident and in control as you start toilet training.
Toilet training resources: a quick guide
- ERIC: The Children’s Bladder and Bowel Charity
ERIC is the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. They have a section dedicated to potty training children with additional needs, and their GoPotty method has been developed to suit children with autism, ADHD, developmental delay, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Learn more - Bladder and Bowel UK
A charity for adults and children, Bladder and Bowel UK support bladder and bowel health for everyone. Their Child Information Library has loads of info, including toilet training children with additional needs and disabilities. Plus there’s a helpline you can contact too. Learn more - Contact
A charity whose aim is to support all families with disabled children, whether that’s a physical or learning disability. They want parents and kids to feel valued, strong and confident to make decisions that are right for them. Their website has advice and information about concerns you may have raising a child with additional needs. Learn more - Healthy Children.org
From the American Academy of Paediatrics, this is a great source of info. It’s a parenting website that covers everything from prenatal to teens. They’ve a great potty-training section that covers additional needs and disabilities. Learn more
Autism and toilet training support
If your child is autistic, toilet training may take a little longer. But it’s all possible! A change in their routine will be hard for them, so reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Check out these charities, resources and support communities.
- ERIC - https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/children-additional-needs/
- Bladder and Bowel UK - https://www.bbuk.org.uk/children-young-people/resources-for-children/
- HealthyChildren.org - https://www.healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/pages/toilet-training-children-with-special-needs.aspx
- National Autistic Society - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/toileting/parents
- Ambitious about Autism - https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/information-about-autism/early-years/parent-carer-online-community
- NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/support/
Sensory needs and toilet training support
Toilet training is a whole new world when it comes to touch, sound and smell. It can seem like a lot at first, especially for children with sensory needs or sensory processing sensitivity. But whatever their individual sensory needs are, you can create a happy toilet-time environment with the right guidance and a little experimentation!
- ERIC - https://eric.org.uk/sensory-needs-and-toileting/
- Bladder and Bowel UK - https://www.bbuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-impact-of-sensory-issues-on-toilet-training-paediatric-Bladder-Bowel-UK.pdf
Blind and visually impaired toilet training support
Children who are blind or visually impaired can toilet train like every other kid, and there are ways to make them feel safe and secure as they learn. Luckily, there are great resources out there that cover every step of the journey.
- Henshaws - https://www.henshaws.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tips-For-Toilet-Training-Your-Visually-Impaired-Child.pdf
- HealthyChildren.org - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/toilet-training-children-with-special-needs.aspx
Down syndrome and toilet training support
Children with Down syndrome have a broad range of abilities. Milestones will happen, but in their own time frame. Most kids with Down syndrome are able to toilet train, and if you’re thinking now’s the time, have a look through our handy links below.
- Down Syndrome UK Pants4School - https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/parents/toilettraining/
- Positive about Down Syndrome - https://positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk/
- Bladder & Bowel UK - https://www.bbuk.org.uk/top-tips-toilet-training-down-syndrome/
- National Down Syndrome Society - https://ndss.org/resources/toilet-training-children-with-down-syndrome
Cerebral palsy and toilet training support
Along with vision and hearing problems, some children with cerebral palsy may have intellectual disabilities that can make toilet training a challenge. But with time and understanding, you can both nail it!
Charities like Scope - https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/cerebral-palsy-introduction/ offer you support, and we’ve found some handy info below.
- Cerebral Palsy Guidance - https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/living/toilet-training-tips/
- ERIC - https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/children-additional-needs/
Toilet training tips for children with additional needs
If you’re wondering how to start potty training or even the best age to start potty training your kid, you can pretty much look out for the same signs of readiness. Our handy checklist will help you spot the signs your kid is ready to start potty training.
Download the free GoTime app!
Want your kid to feel excited about toilet training?
Our app has a cast of cuddly characters who are on their own toilet training adventure! Their story becomes your story, as you and your kid learn alongside them!
