One of the biggest predictors of potty training success actually happens before you officially begin. After working with hundreds of families, we’ve learned that potty training doesn’t usually become difficult because parents aren’t trying hard enough. More often, it’s because everyone jumps in before the environment, routines, and expectations are ready.

Potty training is one of the biggest milestones families face, and if you’re raising an autistic child, you’ve probably realized that most potty training advice doesn’t quite fit your reality.

Have you ever watched your child cross their legs, hold themselves, pace around the room, or do the unmistakable “potty dance”—only to refuse the toilet when you suggest it?

For many parents, potty training already feels overwhelming. Add autism into the mix, and it can sometimes feel confusing, exhausting, and unpredictable.

If potty charts, sticker rewards, and constant reminders still aren’t helping your autistic child potty train… here’s what most parents aren’t being told. One of the biggest mistakes we see in autism potty training is too much verbal prompting.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. One of the most common potty training struggles we see with autistic children is this exact pattern: Your child stays dry for hours in underwear. They look uncomfortable. They dance around. They may even cry or cross their legs. But they refuse to pee. Then the moment…