If you have an autistic child who won’t poop in a toilet then don’t worry you are not alone, it is quite a common problem. Below we go into why your child may be struggling with this issue and some ideas of what you can try.

Autistic child won’t poop in toilet

Children with autism may exhibit a wide range of behaviors that can be challenging for parents and caregivers to understand and manage.

One of the common issues that parents of children with autism may face is resistance to using the toilet for bowel movements.

Here are some reasons why an autistic child may refuse to poop in a toilet:

Sensory issues: Children with autism often have sensory processing difficulties, which means that they may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sensations.

For some children, the feeling of sitting on a toilet or the sensation of passing stool may be overwhelming or uncomfortable, leading them to avoid using the toilet altogether.

Anxiety: Children with autism may experience anxiety or fear around using the toilet, particularly if they have had negative experiences or accidents in the past.

This anxiety can make it difficult for them to relax enough to have a bowel movement in the toilet.

Communication challenges: Many children with autism have difficulty communicating their needs and wants effectively.

They may not understand how to ask for help or express that they need to use the bathroom.

Additionally, some children with autism may have difficulty understanding or following verbal instructions, making it challenging for them to understand how to use the toilet properly.

Difficulty with Transitions: Transitions can be challenging for autistic children, and the transition from diapers or nappies to using the toilet is a significant one.

The child may be attached to the familiarity and comfort of the diaper/nappy or may find it challenging to understand the need to use the toilet.

It may be helpful to provide the child with a clear routine and reward system for using the toilet, gradually phasing out the use of diapers.

Summary – Autistic child won’t poop in toilet

It is essential to approach each case of a child’s reluctance to use the toilet individually, as the reasons can be complex and multi-faceted.

A collaborative effort between caregivers, teachers, and therapists can help develop a plan to help the child feel comfortable and safe using the toilet.

You could try implementing a reward system or using visual aids be it electronic or physical.

Or you could try taking it in turns on the toilet to show your child that it is not scary not something to be anxious about.

All those suggestions are perhaps easier said than done but the important thing is to make a plan and stick to it. Good luck.