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At The Potty School we recognize that not every potty training journey is the same, especially for those who are potty training children with special needs. We understand the huge impact that diagnoses, symptoms, age, abilities and cognitive, physical and verbal differences can have on the process. There isn't one approach and that's why we focus on getting to know your family, what you've already tried, what has been helpful and what hasn't worked at all.
We primarily focus on three aspects:
1) Caregiver Collaboration:
We begin by asking, and listening, to your concerns. By sharing your wins and setbacks we will have a better picture of how to serve you. This information helps us to work together with you to create a plan of next steps.
2) Sensory-Guided Elimination:
Our unique "special needs potty training" approach is called sensory-guided elimination. It leverages your child's capabilities by capitalizing on their dominant sense, or senses, to lay the groundwork for progress. By understanding how they perceive (receptively) and interact (expressively) with the world, we can create a toilet training experience that feels most comfortable and engaging for them, all the while making potty training progress.
3) Equipping Families:
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to confidently support your child through potty training. We believe in honesty and openness. We come to each family informed, and we come caring to best serve your family.
We most often work with children who have autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, or have expressive and/or receptive language delays. But, we have worked with children including, but not limited to, those with chromosomal abnormalities, genetic conditions, post-surgical, PTSD, behavioral episodes, sexual assault victims, selective mutism and many more.
We know that even within the category of special needs potty training, there are very complicated and unique differences. The benefits of Special Needs Potty Training are:
One-on-one support by phone or video — whatever works for you. Whether you're figuring out where to start, stuck somewhere in the middle, or trying to cross the finish line, this is your time with someone who can tell you exactly what to do next.
After booking, we'll ask a few basics about your family's routines and preferences. From there, we match you with the right consultant for your situation. You can complete the whole process — booking, intake questionnaire, scheduling — in just a few minutes. Or take your time. We'll be ready when you are.
Great as a personal investment, or a gift.
Some parents want to figure this out themselves, with a little guidance from the sidelines. This service is not for them.This is for the parent who wants someone in the room. Someone who can watch what's happening, read your child, and say — quietly, in real time — "try this next."Your consultant comes to you. Stays for the day. Watches what's actually happening in your home and adjusts as it unfolds — not after the fact, but in the moment, with your family. It can be day one of potty training, somewhere in the middle of a hard stretch, or the final push to finish what you've already started.This premier service is not for everyone. But if it's for you — you already know it.
Think of it as a course — one built around where your child actually is right now.
Diapers to Flush is The Potty School's signature 5-stage program, available month-to-month with no long-term commitment. You get 24/7 access to our video library for your stage, tutorials, and articles, organized into a clear path from the first diaper to the last. Work through it in order, or jump straight to the stage you're in.
What makes it more than a course is what comes with it: consultants in it with your, a searchable vault of questions and answers from thousands of families before you, and live Q&A sessions where you can submit your own questions directly to our consultants.
Month-to-month. Cancel when your child is trained — which, if we're doing our job, won't take as long as you think.
Not sure where to start? Start here.
Some parents want the full picture. Others know exactly where they're stuck and just need help with that one thing.We have both.
The Online Potty Training Video Course is our most-purchased course — comprehensive, self-paced, and the most complete place to start if you're not sure where to begin. For more specific situations, our mini-courses go deeper on the things parents ask us about most: Nights & Naps for sleep and nighttime dryness, and our nutrition course for understanding how food and digestion connect to the process.
All courses are self-paced, progress-tracked, and yours for 90 days from the date of purchase. No subscription required.
Any and all parents and caregivers teaching their child(ren) to use the potty. Our team of background checked and cleared professionals are here to help you make real progress. The Potty School® works exceptionally well with all of the following:
We primarily work with children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and those with both receptive and expressive speech delays. We have also worked with cases involving chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, diseases, sexual abuse and selective mutism, to name a few. In addition, we have worked with a variety of other diagnoses as well, some of which include, low muscle tone, cerebral palsy and neuro-typical children who are post-surgical, or in casts, or part of the foster care system.
We have families who find us by Googling, but we also get plenty of referrals from pediatricians, ABA therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, specialists (in numerous medical fields), hospitals, holistic providers, parenting class teachers, school districts, pre-school teachers, Regional Center(s), childcare provider classes, Educational Development Centers, public schools, private school, homeschool co-ops, non-profits, and of course just plain 'ole word-of-mouth.
Absolutely not, and it never will. A person is a person.
No. But, it is definitely helpful to get the perspective of your caregiving team ahead of time, if possible. That said, no formal diagnosis is required.
We are working on progress, not perfection, when it comes to children with special needs and their families. We like to equip you with as many resources ready at the go so that you have options when different situations arise. We won't come in with a plan. (We used to do that, but learned our lesson that it wasn't the best option). We need to learn about your child and your family and what you value, so we will make a plan together.
Not necessarily. If they are done in the home then no. If they require numerous trips out of the house we may need to talk about the pros and cons. Generally, a therapist is willing to come to the home for the sake of Potty Training help. We do limit the amount of adults to a parent/guardian and one additional person over the age of 18. (So, two adults, one of which needs to be a guardian).
If they are a licensed therapist, who is background checked and over the age of 18, we trust your discretion for their presence. But, we will never be alone with your child without you, whether there is another adult or not.
We primarily work with children ages 0-14 years old, but we have recently changed our policy to occasionally include children up to age 17 years old. Yes, is sometimes the new answer! But, we do need additional context in order to make sure we are a best fit for your family. That said, we will ONLY work with children who have a legal guardian. Unfortunately, we are not able to work with emancipated youth. To give us some context about your child ages 15-17 years old, please to use the contact us form, or email us at help@thepottyschool.com and drop us a line.
