Will the nappy stage ever end?

[Anyusernamewilldo8963]

It's now been over 11 years of daily nappy changes and I'm sooooo over it! Unfortunately DS6 (yep 6 years old) is not showing any signs of being ready and we are still getting over the fear of sitting on the toilet with a nappy/pull up on and fully clothed (SEN child in case its not obvious)

Not really sure what I'm asking, bit of a hand hold that he will eventually "get it"? Summer holidays are coming up soon (8 weeks long) do I keep him bare bum and try or just keep waiting until he is showing signs he knows he needs a wee/can communicate he needs the loo?

My DD(11) also SEN but not as "bad" was 7 when she finally came out of nappies but she had speech and could hold her bladder/bowel it was just the fear of releasing on the loo that dragged on the nappy stage but I felt like I knew what I was doing with her as I knew the issue and could see light at the end of the tunnel at least.

Sorry long post just exhausted and fed up at the cost of nappies/pull ups and can't face another 11 years of this! (Yes I know its unlikely he will still be in nappies age 17 but I'm feeling dramatic lol)

Does your son attend a special school?

Yes he does, they are brilliant in fairness and are working on it with him but I'm just (unfairly) frustrated as it's not really progressing and it just feels like it never will

Engage with them re your frustration and seek advice. This will be very run of the mill for them

Unfortunately their (very acceptable and correct) approach is to go at DS pace and we've been at the same stage for almost 12 months now

Unrelated but do you get nappies via the NHS? We’ve been struggling to find ones that hold overnight

depends on severity of SEN

@ThisGreyHare no I'm purchasing nappies and always have done

@Alateone on waiting lists for diagnosis for ASD, ADHD and PICA. Statement confirms SLD and severe speech and communication delay

I do feel for you OP, nappies aren’t cheap! Can you see the GP to try and get referrals/speed the process up? I’ve gone back to them about DD1s toileting as she’s still in daytime nappies too

@ThisGreyHare I didn't even think about the possibility of nappies via the incontinence team so I'll definitely look into that

I know I'm being unreasonable, its just frustrating as hes such a clever little boy, its mainly his speech delay that's holding him back and I know if I could just explain it to him....

No you aren’t bring unreasonable, I can’t imagine how difficult it is for you 🌺

Definitely speak with the GP and try and get a referral, even if it helps with the costs of the nappies it will make things easier, they will be able to give good advice too as they would have seen this many times before!