Toilet training is a major milestone in your child’s development, and knowing how to start potty training can be a challenge—especially if your child has developmental disabilities such as PDD-NOS or autism spectrum disorder. While some parents feel eager (or even pressured) to begin training early—especially with the rising cost of diapers—it’s crucial to remember that every child develops at their own pace. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, and readiness can vary greatly from child to child.
The good news is, you can start preparing your child for potty training long before “official” training begins. By helping your child build specific foundational skills, you’re setting the stage for a smoother transition from diapers to the toilet. This guide will walk you through early skills to teach, offer tips for both neurotypical children and those with developmental delays, and include a valuable section on how potty training videos can be an engaging and supportive tool in your journey.
Children typically show signs of potty training readiness between 18 and 24 months, although it’s not uncommon for some kids—especially boys or children with developmental delays—to be ready much later. Readiness is not about age as much as it is about skill development. Before starting toilet training in earnest, your child should begin mastering several important behaviors, which can be introduced as early as toddlerhood.
Here are some key behaviors to work on:
Encourage and praise all attempts—even if they’re not perfect. Celebrate the small wins. A child who feels successful and supported is much more likely to stay motivated.
Using free potty charts is a fun and effective way to track progress and offer visual reinforcement. These charts can be tailored with stickers, stars, or simple checkmarks and work well with reward systems like earning a small toy or extra bedtime story after reaching a goal.
Praise plays a key role in potty training success. Verbal praise like “Great job sitting on the potty!” or physical rewards like high-fives can help create positive associations with bathroom behaviors. The key is consistency and positivity.
Avoid punishment or expressing frustration when accidents happen. Children—especially those with autism or other developmental disorders—may interpret negative reactions as personal failure, leading to increased anxiety, avoidance, or even regression. For example, a child might start hiding when they have to poop or become afraid to tell you when they’ve had an accident, which could lead to hygiene issues or diaper rash.
For children with developmental delays or diagnoses like autism, the process may take more time and require additional support tools. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques can be useful, including visual schedules, reinforcement strategies, and discrete trial teaching.
Incorporating PECS, sensory-friendly potties, or timers can also make the process more manageable. Parents should tailor their approach to their child’s individual sensory needs, communication style, and attention span. Remember: progress may be slow, but consistency and compassion go a long way.
One powerful but often underused tool in potty training is potty training videos. These can be especially helpful for visual learners or children who thrive on repetition and structured examples.Benefits of Potty Training Videos:Tips for Using Potty Training Videos:
• Potty Training in Three Days – Day 1
• Maintenance Phase - Day 2
• Guide for Public Places – Day 3
• How to Start Potty Training a Bowel Movement