The Shape of Behavior ABA Clinic helps a Teenager with Autism conquer issues with Potty Training

Written by Shape of Behavior

Despite numerous attempts to potty train, the boy has spent his entire life completely dependent upon others for attending to personal hygiene issues. "The Shape worked with him several years ago, but he would hold his urine for alarmingly long periods of time," explains the single mother of two boys. "I never gave up because Dr. Randall and her staff never gave up on my son. I always knew he would do it someday!"

Issues such as toilet training, strip children with autism of their independence and limit their future habitation and employment options; this severely impacts their quality of life. The Shape strives to give children the tools they need to be independent, to make learning meaningful and to improve the quality of their interactions with others.

Dr. Randall, a board-certified behavioral analyst who specializes in autism, says the popular child-oriented approach to potty training must be revised for children with autism. Traditional motivation tactics, such as a sense of pride or a strong desire to emulate parents, are often absent for children who have autism spectrum disorder. "They may have a difficult time understanding the logic behind going to the bathroom, feel afraid of, or may be turned off by the disruption in routine or they may be unaware of bodily cues," she explains. "We develop toilet training methods that take all these factors into consideration."

"My son has many other victories since he began attending The Shape over the years, but this is one day I will remember forever!" Mom says. "I want to encourage parents of children with autism and other disabilities to hold on to their dreams and goals."