The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Mastering continence is an essential life skill for all children. Yet, for children with autism spectrum disorders, reaching this goal is sometimes distressing and often a considerable challenge. This engaging session provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to toilet training. Participants will learn the six elements essential to designing and implementing a successful toileting program: 1.) Determining readiness, 2.) creating effective communication, 3.) setting up the bathroom, 4.) recording and monitoring progress, 5.) developing new routines, and 6.) utilizing behavioral principles. Toilet Training Children with ASD: Strategies for Success

Mastering continence is an essential life skill for all children.  Yet, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their caretakers, reaching this goal is sometimes distressing and often a considerable challenge. What are the essential elements that every provider needs to think about when initiating the toileting journey of each child with autism? What special considerations influence outcome?  What are the typical obstacles to achieving continence and how can they be overcome?

This engaging session provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to toilet training. Participants will learn the 5 elements essential to designing and implementing a successful toileting program: 1.) Determining readiness 2.) Creating effective communication 3.) Setting up the bathroom 3.)  Recording and monitoring progress 4.) Developing new routines 5.) Utilizing behavioral principles.

Using extensive examples from clinical experience and a wealth of practical information this presentation will give parents, teachers and others the preparation they need to embark on the toileting journey for children of all developmental levels.

Judith Coucouvanis, MA, PMHCNS is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and clinical nurse consultant at the University of Michigan Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  With over 30 years of experience in the clinical field of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Ms. Coucouvanis has assisted countless families in toilet training their children.  She is the author of The Potty Journey: Guide To Toilet Training Children with Special Needs, Including Autism and Related Disorders. The Potty Journey was named a 2010 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold winner. Ms.Coucouvanis is also the author of Super Skills: A Social Skills Group Program for Children with Asperger Syndrome, High-functioning Autism and Related Challenges.  She lectures regularly on the topics of toilet training, social skills intervention, and behavior supports, presenting at  national conferences for the Autism Society of America (ASA), Council of Exceptional Children (CEC), International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (ISPN), American Psychiatric Nursing Association (APNA), Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP), National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) among others.

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