It is not always possible to potty train a child with severe special needs. Some children may not have the mental capacity to identify the “urge” with actually going to the bathroom nor are they concerned with their personal hygiene. Some children continually leak urine. They must wear adult diapers 24 hours a day and regular potty training is probably out of the question.

Changing a wet diaper isn’t a big deal. However, if you have ever changed a soiled diaper on a teenager or even on a preteen you know just how foul smelling those bowel movements can be. You need to wear disposable gloves and have a large changing area where there isn’t a risk of soiling your rugs or carpet. If the child had an opportunity to sit down prior to changing, it can be challenging to clean the area thoroughly. These are a few of the reasons why bowel conditioning is so desirable.

Older children usually get to the point where they have only one bowel movement a day and it is generally around the same time everyday. When you have figured out that daily period, have your child sit on the toilet at that same time everyday or about 30 minutes before. At first, your child may need to sit on the toilet for an hour to have a bowel movement. However, as your child becomes accustomed to this procedure it may not take that long.

If your child does not seem to have a daily pattern for bowel movements there are some things you can do to help establish a pattern. You may have noticed that many adults have to use the bathroom after their morning coffee or soda. Perhaps you have noticed a particular food or beverage that has this effect on your child. Sometimes a warm bath may relax the child enough to allow a bowel movement. Therefore, after the bath may be a good time for your child to sit on the toilet. You can also try adding a fiber supplement to your child’s cereal – we sprinkle it on like sugar – or add it to your child’s beverage.

You can do some things to make the time sitting on the potty a little more enjoyable. Some severely challenged children enjoy playing with shiny objects, beads on a string, or listening to music. You can try keeping some of your child’s favorite small objects in a basket by the toilet. Many children respond well to rewards like hugs and praise upon success.

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