For us, some things simply come later than others. Potty training included. So let's work on that. For some autistic youth, just like recognition of hunger is an issue, so is recognition of having to go to the bathroom. This is not Encopresis. However, because of some parents use of pull ups and their children becoming comfortable with the pullup , even after use, some children are being misdiagnosed with encopresis. So what to do...

As you know, schedules play a large part in the completion of tasks and learning. Make use of the toilet a part of a visual schedule. It is best to make it following meals and also before bedtime. Make it a listed activity with no time frame. Then have your child remain on the toilet until they are able to go. Some of you may say, uh ma'am, we already tried that, lol, well please see below.

If you struggle with getting your child to sit on the toilet or getting them to remain on the toilet for periods of time, I suggest a special tray that remains in the bathroom just for that time that your child is sitting on the toilet. This tray is for special toys that your child will only have access to while they are in the bathroom on the toilet and no other time. Make sure the toy is something that will hold their interst for a period of time. Electronics are not a good placeholder for this toy, especially if use of electronics is being used as part of your rewards system. However, having a special toy that they can only play with at that time will encourage long placed sitting and make them more agreeable to sit on the toilet in order to play with or use that object. It will also encourage relaxed bowel movements instead of forced because they are more relaxed and not trying to rush the bowel movement to get back to playing.

While pullups may be helpful to you as the parent preventing messes. It is not always beneficial to the child as they become comfortable not having to go to the bathroom and you get frustrated while possibly punishing them for using something you gave them to use.