Can A Child Really Be Toilet Trained In Three Days?

Charmaine Champ Author

Toilet trained in 3 days? Sounds great, but real toileting success takes more than just sitting on the toilet. This blog further explores this.

Have you ever been tempted by flashy adverts promising toilet training in just three days? It sounds like a dream come true, quick fixes and instant results. But the truth is, successful toileting is far more complex than simply sitting on the toilet. Its a process of building strong, lasting foundations that include recognising body signals, following multi step instructions, and regulating emotions. For many children, including neurodivergent children, the journey involves mastering executive function skills and navigating sensory processing challenges.

One of the biggest hurdles is the role of executive function in toileting. These cognitive skills are what enable a child to plan, organise and execute a sequence of tasks. Think about the simple steps involved in using the toilet: recognising the messages in the body, walking to the toilet or bathroom, undressing, sitting down and cleaning up afterwards, are just a few. When a child is struggling with executive function, following steps is not automatic, it becomes overwhelming. The child may experience difficulty processing multi step instructions, which can lead to missed cues and accidental delays. Instead of being a matter of will power, these challenges are rooted in the way the brain works. 

Sensory processing also needs to be explored. The bathroom, toilet environment, with its sounds, textures and unpredictable stimuli, can be intensely overwhelming for some children. Sensory overload can make an already complex task feel impossible. Where it is the feel of water, the sound of the flush, these sensory inputs can distract or distress a child, making it harder for them tune into their body signals. This is not a lack of trying, it is an indication that every stage of the toileting journey needs thoughtful support and understanding.

That's exactly why I created Inclusive Toileting Support, Step by Step Guide and Poster Pack. This breaks down the complexities of toileting into clear manageable steps. The approach addresses the executive function processes, sharing how to follow multi step instructions in a calm and supportive way. I also share strategies to regulate sensory processing challenges, ensuring that every part of the toileting routine is addressed. Rather than promising a rushed, three day solution, our goal is to build a strong foundation that leads to lasting progress, which may take a little longer.

Every child's journey towards toileting progress is unique. Rather than succumbing to quick fix promises, we need to focus on understanding and addressing the real challenges, whether they are cognitive, sensory, or emotional. With patience, empathy and the right strategies, true progress is possible. Stay tuned for more details on our Inclusive Toileting Support Step by step Guide and Poster Pack, coming soon to help families and school make meaningful, lasting progress.

Help and support is available at every stage of the toileting journey!

Start helping your child with their toileting today, with support!

Categories: : Autism, autism and toileting, children with additional needs, Clear Steps, Continence, executive function, Neurodivergent, Poo, School Toilets, sensory processing, toilet problems, toilet training, Toileting, toileting challenges, Toileting in Schools