Advice needed re potty training for a child that doesn't speek.

[Marne]

Hi, dd2 is 2.3 and has possible autism, she doesn't speek at all but has started taking her nappy of when wet. Am i mad trying to potty train her when she can't talk or sign?
Any advice greatfuly recieved.

I don't see why you can't give it a go - although I have no experience of potty training a child with autism. My friend potty trained her DD before she could talk - they communicated by actions mainly and her DD was soon off getting her potty without having to ask or tell anyone about it. Her DD was much younger than yours. I think if they show an interest it is worth a go.

Google "Elimination Communication" or infant potty training. Although EC is usually for younger babies, it could be good for a toddler who doesn't talk.

For starters, you can try putting her on the potty right after she wakes up, which is a time when most people of all ages have to go. Then observe her patterns and signs, take her to the potty when you think she needs to go, etc.

Could you introduce a sign for toilet ?

My DD points at her open left palm with her right index finger (her attempt at BSL for 'T' i.e. Toilet)

Or what would happen if you give her nappy free time and make sure a potty is within easy reach of her ?