Potty Training Rewards for Children with Autism

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Potty Training Rewards: Good or Bad?

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Let's face it, for some potty training is a big deal. For others, it's just not. But, if you have a child with autism potty training is probably at least somewhat life & thought engulfing for at least a season. For some that season is a few weeks, for others it is a few years. For yet others, the season spans over a decade. We have been working with families, including special needs families, since 2016 specifically to help with potty training. Potty training a child with special needs often involves extra steps and patience. Children with autism or other neurodiverse conditions often respond differently to stimuli. They may be ultra-sensitive to different sensory inputs, such as the feeling of a full bladder, the texture of toilet paper, the sound of flushing, etc. 

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Do Rewards Work when Potty Training Special Needs Children?

One thing many parents use to motivate their child to toilet-train are reward systems. But do they work? What benefits do they offer? Are there any drawbacks to using a reward system? If so, what are they?

The Potty School has put together a comprehensive guide for parents exploring the pros and cons of potty training reward systems while potty training children with autism. Our guide considers the unique needs of neurodiverse children and offers guidance on successfully implementing a reward system. Lastly, it highlights alternatives that will nurture a positive potty training experience for parents and children.

The Pros of Potty Training Rewards for Special Needs Children

There are multiple advantages to using rewards during potty training a special needs child. Rewards can motivate children, boost their confidence, solidify goals, and make what is sometimes a challenging process more entertaining. 

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Reward systems work well for children with autism because they offer clear and consistent guidelines and boundaries. Children, especially neurodiverse children, crave and thrive on routines, especially those with visual cues like a reward system. 

Proper implementation and consistency are key ingredients in a reward system. No potty training system will work effectively if it lacks consistency and repetition. However, reward systems have several benefits when used regularly as potty training support!

Reward Systems:

• Enhance Motivation and Positive Reinforcement: Rewards are exciting! Everyone likes to be rewarded for positive behavior. Offering rewards to your child for using the potty or even when they attempt to use it and only sit on it makes the experience more exciting. Offering a reward creates a positive association with the bathroom for your child.
• Create Focus and Support Goal Setting: When your child receives a reward for a desired behavior, it encourages them to try that behavior again. A reward chart or calendar helps you and your child focus on a goal, often for a more significant reward. For example, using a chart with five empty squares, tell your child, “You will get a sticker each day you sit on the potty. Once you sit on the potty five days in a row, we can go to the store and choose a new book!”
• Boost Confidence: Successfully using the potty and receiving a reward can boost your child's confidence and self-esteem. Your child will feel proud of their accomplishments, especially when you heap on the praise for their efforts.
• Make Potty Training an Engaging Experience: The proper reward makes potty training enticing for your child. Allow your child to say what the rewards are and talk about them so they look forward to them! Fun experiences you can share, like a trip to the bookstore or the zoo or extra time at their favorite playground, can make it a bonding experience for both of you!

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Rewards offer many benefits. However, if you’re using rewards to potty train your child with autism or other neurodiverse conditions, you should also be aware of the drawbacks. 

The Cons of Rewards When Potty Training Special Needs Children:

While rewards offer benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Children may become overly focused on the reward instead of using the potty. Additionally, using the potty may become a habit to receive a reward instead of recognizing the signs their body is giving them that it’s time to go or building the intrinsic motivation to go independently. 

Therefore, becoming familiar with potential drawbacks before implementing a potty training reward system is wise. 

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• Overdependence:  Some children may rely on receiving a reward rather than the intrinsic satisfaction of using the potty independently. They may also go potty by rote, meaning they learn that they are supposed to sit on the potty at specific times of the day. When this occurs, they may not learn to recognize the signs of needing to go for themselves. 
• A Shift in Focus:  With rewards involved, your child’s focus could shift away from the original goal of using the potty independently and shift to using the potty to receive a reward. 
• Disappointment and Tantrums: When a reward is expected and not received, it can result in tantrums and disappointment. Therefore, it is essential to have very clear guidelines with your child about what actions will result in a reward. 
• Unsustainable Practices:  Rewards must be realistic and attainable. For example, don’t promise your child a trip to the zoo if you know you’re busy next weekend and won’t be able to take them. Likewise, rewards must be affordable to maintain the system as long as needed.

Making Rewards Work for You: Strategies for Success

Now that you know the benefits and potential drawbacks of using a reward system with a child with autism, let’s examine how you can make the system work best for you and your child.

Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of rewards:

• Simple Rewards: Keep rewards simple and age-appropriate—small, inexpensive, immediate rewards like stickers, a short storytime, or clapping and cheering for their accomplishment will boost your child’s confidence and willingness to try again.
• Reward Effort, Not Results: Reward your child’s effort in using the potty, regardless of success. This encourages participation and consistency.
• Gradually Phase Out Rewards: Gradually decrease the frequency of rewards as potty training continues. For example, at first, it may take five stickers to reach a reward, then eight stickers, then 12, etc. Eventually, your child will forget about the rewards because they’ve learned to go independently. The ultimate goal is for your child to feel confident using the potty without external motivation.
• Use Tons of Positive Reinforcement:  Always celebrate efforts and successes with enthusiastic praise and positive reinforcement. Your praise and attention reinforce the positive association with using the potty.

Beyond the Reward: Alternative Strategies for Success

If you’re unsure if a reward system is the right choice for you and your child, there are other effective potty training methods that don't rely solely on rewards:

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• Positive Potty Environment: Create a fun and inviting bathroom experience with colorful stickers, a favorite potty chair, or engaging books about potty training. Include your child in creating the bathroom space and choosing their potty chair.
• Routine and Consistency: Establish a regular potty schedule and encourage frequent attempts, even if unsuccessful initially. Consistency helps build habits, and it is especially vital for neurodiverse children like those with autism. Because children with autism often desire routine actions, maintaining a consistent schedule will likely benefit your efforts.
• Modeling and Role-Playing: Let your child see you using the toilet relaxed and comfortably. To normalize the process, consider role-playing using dolls or stuffed animals during regular playtime. Read potty picture books with your child that talk about going potty. Give them time to explore the books and look at the pictures.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child's efforts and successes with warm smiles, hugs, and positive reinforcement. Have a potty parade to celebrate their use of the potty with music and marching! The more positive you can make the experience, the more interested they’ll be in trying. 
• Addressing Underlying Issues:  If fear, constipation, or other factors, such as sensory issues, anxiety, or possible medical conditions hinder progress, address them with your pediatrician or a potty training consultant.

The Right Approach for Your Child

Ultimately, the best approach to rewards for potty training depends on your child's needs, sensory preferences, and personality. Some children thrive using rewards, while others may succeed through alternative strategies or a combination.

Remember: Potty training can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Regardless of your reward decision, prioritize positive reinforcement, patience, and a supportive environment for your little one to flourish!

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Need help navigating potty training? We'd love to book a consult to walk through it all with you and create a personalized plan so you know what to start doing today.

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