Regression in Toilet Use:Autism.

[willowthecat]

ds (6 ASD) broke his arm about 6 weeks ago - all healed up and fine now but he has regressed with toileting in that he will not use the toilet for poo at all now but will 'go' in the bathroom standing next to the toilet - or sometimes , (regressing further?) in his bedroom. On the plus side, he will deposit everything in the loo, then clean himself up and find new clothes but I just can't seem to get him to 'get' that missing step ! Any ideas ?

Go with him, and put chocolate buttons in his mouth while he sits on the toilet?

I am embarrassed to say that the only way we could get DS2 to start pooing in the toilet was with bribery. He got some coins to put in his money box for each time. As he loves playing with the coins and putting them in the money box, it went over very well. And he was careful to ask if he was going to get coins BEFORE he pooed each time. But then he after a while he stopped asking ... which is good, as I'd hate to still be paying him to poo when he's 16 years old!

Hi]]Ds3 used to be very similar, a regression in toiletting was quite common when stressed.

We did find it tended to self resolve within a month or so, but if phobias develop it would be harder.

If he won't use the loo, provide something else- potty whatever- and don't make a big deal. And if bribery works then good, use it, whether its a sweet, traading card, whatever.

But mostly remove all pressure and see if it self resolves.

Thanks for the re assurance and good advice - I do sort of know and time and gentle persuasion will/may work but it's been a bit frustrating when we thought we had 'solved' that one - and it was not easy ! I think it is a phobia of some kind as his general understanding is not bad and he follows instructions well - usually !!