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Potty training

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The charity ERIC have a section on potty training children with additional needs. They believe most children can learn to be dry, but those with additional needs may be more likely to struggle to learn potty training skills due to sensory problems or learning disabilities. They have a guide and a three step plan on their website: https://eric.org.uk/children-additional-needs/ 


Some parent tips are below. The main advice is that all children are different so it make take some trial and error to find the right approach. Some children hate a potty and do better going straight to the toilet (with a smaller toilet seat or a step seat), others find the toilet too big and prefer a potty. 

  • Try putting your child on the potty or toilet every 45-60 minutes 


  • For non verbal children it may be harder to know they need the toilet when out and about so it’s worth also trying every 45/60 minutes, or look for agitation or increased stims. Some children will not use public toilets due to sensory issues such as smells or the noise of hand dryers. You can buy a portable potty to take out with you, such as this one: https://www.boots.com/my-carry-potty-clownfish-10320805 



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