Help With Toileting

Toileting is a fundamental life skill, but for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), it can be a complex and challenging process. This guide aims to provide information and strategies to help parents, caregivers, and educators support children with SEND in achieving toileting independence.

Understanding the challenges

Children with SEND may face various challenges related to toileting, which can include physical, cognitive, sensory, or behavioural issues. It is essential to recognise and understand these challenges to provide effective support.

Assessment & individualised plans

1. Seek professional assessment: Consult with healthcare providers, therapists, or specialists to identify any underlying medical or developmental factors affecting toileting.
2. Create individualised plans: Develop a personalised toileting plan that considers the child’s specific needs, abilities, and limitations. This plan should be a collaborative effort involving parents, caregivers, and professionals.

Physical disabilities

For children with physical disabilities, toileting may require adaptive equipment or modifications. Consider the following:

1. Accessible Bathrooms: Ensure the bathroom is wheelchair accessible and equipped with handrails, a raised toilet seat, and a roll-in shower.
2. Assistive Devices: Use specialised equipment like transfer benches, commode chairs, or adaptive toileting aids.

Cognitive and communication challenges

Children with cognitive or communication impairments may struggle with understanding and expressing toileting needs. Strategies include:

1. Visual Supports: Use visual schedules, social stories, or picture communication systems to teach toileting routines and cues.
2. Clear Communication: Encourage consistent and simple verbal cues or gestures for toileting.

Sensory sensitivities

Children with sensory sensitivities may have aversions to certain textures or sensations. Address these sensitivities:

1. Sensory-Friendly Bathroom: Create a sensory-friendly environment by using soft lighting, calming colours, and non-irritating toiletry items.
2. Desensitisation: Gradually introduce sensory experiences related to toileting in a controlled and positive manner.

Behavioural challenges

Children with behavioural issues might resist toileting or exhibit toileting related behaviours. Strategies include:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Use a reward system to motivate desired toileting behaviours and celebrate successes.
2. Consistency: Maintain a consistent toileting schedule and routine to reduce anxiety.

Patience & support
Toileting can be a slow and ongoing process for children with SEND. It is crucial to:

1. Stay Patient: Understand that setbacks are common and part of the learning process.
2. Provide Emotional Support: Offer reassurance and comfort during toileting-related struggles.

Collaboration & resources
Do not hesitate to seek support from professionals, support groups, or organisations specialising in SEND. Collaborate with teachers and therapists to ensure continuity between home and school environments.

Conclusion
Toileting is a significant milestone for all children, including those with SEND. With understanding, individualised plans, and a supportive environment, children with disabilities can make progress towards toileting independence. Remember that each child is unique, and progress may be gradual, but with patience and support, they can achieve success in toileting.

The Toileting Workshop presentation from February 2025 helps with busting the myths around toileting and includes top tips.

Local support organisations can offer peer support to children, parents and carers in Tameside and Glossop.

SEND Health Navigator Service
The OKE Health Navigator Service offers friendly advice 7 days a week to help you find the support you need in a variety of ways and can help with queries on pathways.

• We can connect you to services
• We will listen to you and help navigate the system with you
• We can offer support and advice and keep you up to date on the local offer

Contact the service on 0161 342 5550 or 07867 484290.
www.ourkidseyes.org/contact-us/

Facebook – OKE Our Kids Eyes

PHEW!

School nursing and your local GP/practice nurse

Enuresis – bed wetting – our service in Tameside

Bowel Functioning

Clues that the Bowel is Empty

Medication for constipation

Motivation and Soiling

Stress and Soiling

The PHEW! group holds Beat the Sneaky Poo Group and Courses which offers peer support for families. Beat the Sneaky Poo Workbook

Trusted National Organisations

ERIC – the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. Our mission is to reduce the impact of continence problems on children and their families.

Bladder and Bowel UK – common issues include night time wetting, and there are a number of other concerns children, young people or their parents may have. Learn more about the issues and possible solutions here.