Cerebral Palsy and Toilet Training Tips

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Toilet training can be tough on any parent, but training a child with cerebral palsy and disabilities can be even more challenging. Rather than focusing on the additional work needed, focus on toilet training as a rewarding process and be patient.

Is Your Child Ready for Potty Training?

For some children with cerebral palsy, it is easy to discern when they are ready to start toilet training.

But in children with severe cases of cerebral palsy, which limit their ability to communicate or maneuver effectively, keep an eye on several signs to help determine readiness:[1]

• Your child stays dry for at least a few hours at a time.
• Your child gets uncomfortable when their diaper is wet.
• They can tell the difference between being wet and dry.
• They seem interested in using the “potty.”

Children with special needs may exhibit the signs, but some have additional limitations that will require a little extra help on your part. For example, maybe they show all these signs but still need your help removing clothing in time to use the toilet.

How Disabilities Affect Potty Training

Children with cerebral palsy will have physical limitations that may make toilet training more challenging, but you can help them overcome their limitations with patience and perseverance.

Since cerebral palsy is a disorder that can range from mild to severe, it’s important to talk to your child’s primary healthcare provider before you begin potty training.

Bladder and Bowel Control

Children with cerebral palsy are more likely to have bladder and bowel control issues, including incontinence. They may also struggle with constipation.[2]

These issues can make toileting more complicated. They may not be able to make it to the toilet in time every time or may need to wear diapers longer, even during potty training.

Physical Limitations

Some children with cerebral palsy will be able to tell you when they need to use the toilet but may need you to help remove clothing or hold them steady each time until they can do it themselves.

Others may need assistance maneuvering from a wheelchair or walker to the toilet. Assess the child’s needs for getting to and from the bathroom and help reduce any unnecessary obstacles.

Hearing Problems

Hearing problems may make toilet training more difficult. Children may have difficulty expressing their needs and communicating when they need to use the restroom.

For the child with hearing deficits, keep teaching as visual as possible. Consider having your child watch you while you use the toilet, purchasing picture books of children going through potty training, and teaching your child to use hand gestures when they need to go.

Vision Problems

Some kids with cerebral palsy have vision problems, making visual cues and learning challenging. Vision problems generally present the most difficulties during the toilet training process. For instance, some children’s visual problems are so severe that they can’t see your actions to mimic you.

Teach your child to touch and feel the toilet and its surroundings. Make sure you’re always with your child while going through this process. Be sure that the bathroom area is clear of any objects that can cause accidents, and never leave the child alone while using the toilet.

Speak with your child’s primary healthcare provider before starting potty training. Consider having a therapist experienced in working with children with visual problems assist you.

Patience Is Key When Potty Training

Along with vision and hearing problems, some children with cerebral palsy may have intellectual disabilities that will make the process of toilet training extremely challenging. Yet, you can still be successful with patience and understanding of how your child learns.

Potty training children with intellectual disabilities may take months to a year or more. The process can be easier if you keep instructions as simple as possible.

For example, instead of explaining how the child’s diaper got wet, you can simply point to the diaper and say “wet” while keeping a neutral expression. Once you change your child, say “dry” with a reassuring smile.

Again, the process may take longer than you’d like, but eventually, your child will associate a dry diaper with a positive outcome.

Remember to consult your primary healthcare provider if you have any questions, and consider getting additional assistance if you feel too overwhelmed.