Interfering Factors

Refusal to Participate In Toilet Training

If your child is refusing to participate in toilet training:

• Make sure he knows what you want him to do
• Look at any fears or anxieties your child may have related to the bathroom.
• Make sure your toilet training routine is set and that you are consistent when using it.
• Reward small successes. You may have to break the routine down into smaller steps so that your child can experience some success sooner.
• You may need to reassess where your child is in the process. Take another look because there may have been some changes since your initial assessment. Review our Getting Started Assessment.

For additional help, see Part 25: Troubleshooting Toilet Training.

Medical Factors

Some physiological conditions can cause a child to experience either frequent wetting and leaks or the inability to urinate as needed. Your child’s pediatrician is a good place to start if you have questions about frequent or infrequent urination.

Constipation is another condition that may interfere with toilet training. Consult with your child’s doctor or nurse if you are concerned that your child has constipation. Autism Speaks offers a good resource with information on helping to manage constipation in children.

Some medications can cause elimination problems. Consult with your child’s pediatrician and/or pharmacist for information regarding side effects of the medications your child is taking that may affect toilet training.