Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Toilet Training a Developmentally Delayed Child | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
My son is 3½. He is developmentally delayed, and I am having a hard time potty training him. He prepares himself to go, even wipes and flushes, but he never goes. When I put undies on him and he wets them, he tells me pee and gets a new pair from his drawer. Even when he sits on the toilet he says pee, but nothing happens. He is just starting to talk now should I wait a little while. Please help.— Pupi in Union City, New Jersey | | | ANSWER |
December 21, 2001 | | | Dear Pupi,
For a child who is developmentally delayed, your son is not so very far behind potty-training wise. Many children who don't have delays take until the middle of their third year, or even later, to master toilet training. It sounds as though your son is close: he's able to tell you when he needs to go, and to help with undressing and other parts of using the toilet (and don't forget, washing hands afterwards is also a very important step to learn). He just needs to get more conscious control over his bladder. I'm guessing that if you continue to be encouraging and supportive, he'll get that last step mastered pretty soon.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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