These days, many parents aren't sure when to start "potty training." For parents of children with autism, it can be an even harder decision.

The viewpoints on when kids should start to go on the potty have fluctuated a great deal in recent years. These days, many parents aren't sure when to start "potty training." For parents of children with autism, it can be an even harder decision.

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, children with autism generally show the same signs of readiness for toilet training as neurotypical children. These signs, however, might appear when children with autism are older, making potty training seem longer.

It is important for parents of children with autism to establish if their child is in an obstinate or resistant phase. It may seem like they are not ready to take on something new, especially if it's challenging. In this case, a parent might take some extra time to prepare them mentally before starting the potty-training process.

According to The Association for Science In Autism one of the biggest obstacles that come into play when potty training a child with a developmental delay is parents putting it off because they think it will be too hard or challenging.

While children with autism do tend to complete their potty training later (around the age of 5) that does not necessarily mean a parent needs to wait that long.

A parent will know when their child is ready to be potty-trained when they show some or all of these signs:

• The child can pull up and down their pants

• The child is hiding to poop

• The child is showing discomfort when wet

These signs indicate the child is capable of going potty on their own, and that they realize, on some level, that soiling themselves is not quite right; says 360 Behavioral Health's Shana Williams, MA, BCBA.

Allowing the child to give input on the preferences of the potty will help to make sure they use it. Children with autism have different needs; what is comfortable for one may not be for another.

In general, kids might go right to underwear for potty training, but for a child with autism, it can be very important to not go back to diapers or pull-ups. Change can be hard for children with autism, so going back and forth may be hard for them. Also, for sensory reasons, it may be difficult for a child with autism to adapt to wearing underwear.

In the case where a child might be uncomfortable wearing underwear at first, parents should realize that accidents will probably happen. Taking the time and allowing their child to get used to wearing underwear is important. If a parent senses that it will be a much bigger issue for their child, they could even start getting them used to underwear prior to potty training.

Having a child pick out their own underwear can be motivational for them. Underwear with fun characters from cartoons and such can help a child with autism become excited about the process.

Milestones Autism Resources says, there is no place for punishment when it comes to potty training your child with autism. Using rewards to encourage desired behavior is more effective than punishing undesired behavior. When parents recognize and reward expected behavior, it can be very motivating for their children.

A reward can be something as simple as a smile or saying "well done". Other rewards can be a preferred food or activity. All rewards should be used to encourage and motivate the child to engage in the desired behavior.

Having visuals gives structure and routine to the process. Children with autism often flourish with a set schedule. Visuals help the child know what comes next, to ease in and out of transitions. Nothing is unexpected that way. This may also help to reduce any anxiety the child with autism is feeling.

Visual support is something that can be used when mentally preparing a child with autism for potty training. They can refer to it often, even while in the potty-training process.

Carol Gray originally developed social stories in 1990. Social stories are similar to visuals. The difference being a social story accurately describes a situation, skill, achievement, or idea using a story sequence of words and pictures. There is not a cookie-cutter format for a social story on potty training or anything else. Children with autism all have different sensory needs, so their stories will all look different. Using characters from a cartoon or movie that they like will often add excitement and motivation.

Potty training in small steps will ensure potty training does not become overwhelming for a child with autism. Usually, a child pees first and then gets comfortable pooping in a toilet.

Children with autism may find the flushing sound too loud and upsetting. In this case, the parent can just have them wash their hands after and do the flushing themselves once the child has walked out.

A parent may want to try a combination of approaches to see what works best for their child. They may find 2 out of 3 work or only 1 works. Regardless of what they use, strategies work best when they are broken down into smaller processes. Step by step; pull pants down, sit on the toilet, wipe bottom, and so on.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Association For Science In Autism, Carol GrayMilestones Autism Resources, 360 Behavioral Health

I am the mother of four boys. They were all born very premature. Two singletons and twins. I am very passionate about raising awareness for prematurity and mother's mental health. One of my sons has special needs as well. I have seen a different kind of motherhood than most, but very much enjoy writing articles to help parents of all kinds.