Another very proud mummy boast

[Graciefer]

Wow I am so blown away and so very proud.

Recently we were lucky enough to manage to get social sevices to fund and set up some meetings with a wonderful lady called Mary Pittman, who works as an independent autism consultant (not sure of her proper job title).

Anyways these meetings were arranged with a view of her helping us find some stratergies to deal with some of DS1's issues, escaping, peeling wallpaper/general destruction and toilet training.

We decided that we would start with the toilet training and we discussed this and she gave us some things to try, anyways three weeks after our first meeting and tonight DS1 did his first pee in the toilet at home ever!

I am so happy I could pop and can't believe the progress that he has made already (although I know this is likely to be a marathon rather than a sprint).

For the first time ever I am daring to believe that toilet training may actually be possible and it is such a wonderful feeling I had to share it with you all.

Oh I should of said for those that don't know, DS1 is almost 6 and has severe autism.

Also although we haven't started working on his other issues yet, Mary did give a few hints and tips at our last meeting and DS1 was so good at home this weekend we thought school had sent home an imposter.

It is so nice to have something to feel positive about for a change, I love this feeling!

it lovely to feel positive about things. Good luck with it.

That is fantastic. well done Graciefer's DS!

pop! pop! popping for you!

That's brilliant, well done ds xx

Clever lad !!

That's brilliant Gracifer! Can you tell me what she suggested about toilet training? DS2 has been sitting on the loo regularly for months but so far not a drop...

Hi Sphil, to be honest it has been a really slow and simple approach so far, which is why today was amazing and totally unexpected.

It has consisted of us getting new PECS symbols from school for toilet and wash hands, and using these symbols to take DS1 to the toilet at set times to get him used to the toilet.

To reinforce this routine and let him know there is a start and an end to it, we have made up a toilet song that we sing whilst he is sitting there.

We were given a chart to mark the times we took him to the toilet and also when he is wet or soiled, so we can try to identify the best times to be taking him to the toilet. Also trying to gauge when he may need to urinate, giving him more drink than normal with his meals and taking him to the toilet straight after, etc.

Really that is as far as we have got at the moment and this part of the process has been about identifying that time and getting him comfortable with the environment. So for him to actually use the toilet was great but it could equally of been a fluke, we will have to see what the next few weeks bring.

I am hoping that by using routine and being more consistant (using same PECS symbols for toilet at home and at school) and from him learning from his peers at school, we may be able to make this work.

As always it is extremely hard to know just how much DS1 understands and what he doesn't, but he has been dragging me to the toilet more often so I am hoping that he will eventually be able to connect the room to its function and that it isn't just because he loves my singing voice, lol.

I should also say that I have been invited to a new Autism parents training group next week ran by the same person, so if I pick up any other handy tips I shall definately post them on this thread.

That's excellent .

That's fantastic news Graceifer ! I nearly died of shock when DS1 passed this hurdle.

HE ONLY WENT AND DID IT AGAIN!!!!!
I can't believe it, Im so proud, I had a tear in my eye

I would never ever have believed how happy a post about a child using the loo could make me but am really thrilled for you and actually laughed.

Might try your technique on DS2 after Christmas.

Yes, that's exactly what we're doing - except I have to do a medley from the Fimbles . But so far nothing - just a lot of leg swinging and 'finishedfinishedfinished'.

Can I ask - are you quite casual about it when you're in there with him? I think I may be putting too much pressure on him by jabbering on about wee-wee.

Mind you, he has started telling us when he's wet - and bringing me his removed and soggy pull up - so that's something I suppose.