I am not going into detail on toilet training today (we will come to that at a later date). Instead I am going to share some free visuals that might help you out. Toilet training can be a long journey for many kids with autism for many different reasons. Using visuals to support understanding is really important for children with communication challenges.
There are lots of great toilet training visuals out there but I found for us many were either not detailed enough or too detailed. I also struggled to find pictures of poo and wee or a boy standing up to wee. So I asked my mum to make us some.
Toilet Training Visual Schedules
I like to use visual schedules with my kids. It is good to have a clear process of steps that you can follow. However going to the toilet isn’t always the same, you might need a wee or a poo, or both. Boys might want to stand rather than sit to do a wee. I think it’s helpful that all of these processes are understood so I have created a couple of different schedules.
I recommend printing and cutting out the ones you want to use and laminating them, I have some tips on doing this in my making PECS cards post.
Free washing hands poster
I wanted to make sure we included detailed steps while keeping it short so we have gone for 6 steps in our washing hands poster:
- Turn on Tap
- Wet Hands
- Rub Hands with Soap
- Rinse Hands
- Turn Off Tap
- Dry Hands
Toilet Training Visuals pack
This pack which is free to download includes:
- Doing a poo on the toilet
- Doing a wee in the toilet
- How to wash your hands
- Visual aids
- Picture Exchange Communication /PECS Cards
Books about going to the toilet
Books are a great way to use visuals to learn. Here are some of our favourite toilet training books. Please note these are affiliate links, if you purchase from the links I may recieve a commission this is at no additional cost to you.
- Everybody Poos by Taro Gomi: my youngest loves this one it is all about different animal poos.
- Pirate Pete Potty is great for those still on the potty. You can also get a great sticker book which also includes a reward chart.
- Suzie’s Toilet Time by Charlotte Olson is a great book about going to the toilet with clear vibrant visuals.
More toilet training information and visuals
If these visuals don’t work for you there are some great options over on And Next Comes L.
Eric the Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity is a very good place for information on toilet training.
You can ask your health visitor, school or pre-school for a referral to speak to a continence nurse who can assist with toilet training advice.
A new post on toilet training and autism exploring some of the key diffrences.
My Building Attention eBook might be of interest. It contains tips on getting attention and 23 fun activities.
It is designed to support young children that struggle with attention and communication. Each activity can be completed quickly using household items.
This is so helpful – thank you. Both my boys prefer to stand up too and it’s hard to find the right pictures.
Author
It made such a difference when my son realised he could stand up. It’s the only way he will go in unfamiliar toilets
I’m sure these resources will be so helpful! I’ve just downloaded an app called poo goes to poo land for my daughter to help her with understanding about doing poos on the toilet. #kcacols
Author
Yes we have that app. Hope it helps your daughter, my 4 yr old thinks it’s hilarious
Really appreciated learning about “Eric” – the bowel and bladder charity.
And that the wee the children in the pictures do is yellow.
Thank you to the Autism Page’s Mum’s Mum.
What a great set of resources. We really found the pirate pete book handy when potty training.
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time!
Author
It’s a great book especially when starting out potty training x
This is so helpful Jade, thank you for sharing this resource. Will be using it with mine and passing the link on to others! 🙂
Author
Glad it will be helpful xx
These are great resources, thank you so much for sharing them. Will use the washing hands one at home! #KCACOLS
Author
I hope it’s helpful xx