Potty Heroes OT

05/06/2026

Many of the families I support have tried everything:
• reward charts
• timers
• reminders
• taking away diapers

…and still feel completely stuck.

It can be frustrating, exhausting, and honestly a bit disheartening.

Especially when it seems like other children are figuring it out so much more easily.

But for many autistic children, toileting is not a simple skill. It involves sensory processing, body awareness, communication, and emotional safety.

If progress has felt slow (or nonexistent), it doesn’t mean your child can’t learn.

It usually just means they need a different approach 💛

Get expert advice on toilet training from an Occupational Therapist who who has helped countless children and young adults with autism and developmental delays achieve toileting independence.

04/26/2026

If potty training has been stressful in your home, I want you to hear this:

You are not failing.

Many of the families I work with have tried everything—reward charts, schedules, reminders—and still feel stuck.

That’s not because you didn’t try hard enough.

It’s often because your child needs a different approach—one that matches how they experience the world.

You deserve support.
Your child deserves a plan that works for them.

And progress is possible, even if it hasn’t happened yet 💛

Get expert advice on toilet training from an Occupational Therapist who who has helped countless children and young adults with autism and developmental delays achieve toileting independence.

04/02/2026

#1 Potty Training Myth: “They’re just not ready yet.”

This is something many families are told—but it can be frustrating when months (or years) go by without change.

For autistic children, “readiness” isn’t always the issue.

Often, there are specific barriers like:
• Sensory sensitivities (sound, touch, smell)
• Anxiety or fear
• Communication differences
• Body awareness challenges

When we understand *why* it’s hard, we can actually support progress.

Waiting alone doesn’t always lead to change—but the right support can

Get expert advice on toilet training from an Occupational Therapist who who has helped countless children and young adults with autism and developmental delays achieve toileting independence.

03/31/2026

Potty Training Tip of the Day:

Start with comfort before expectations.

Before asking your child to “go,” focus on helping them feel okay just being in the bathroom.

You might try:
• Sitting on the toilet fully clothed
• Reading a favorite book in the bathroom
• Bringing a preferred toy into the space
• Keeping visits short and low-pressure

When the bathroom becomes a familiar, safe place, everything else becomes easier.

Progress doesn’t start with success on the toilet—it starts with comfort

Get expert advice on toilet training from an Occupational Therapist who who has helped countless children and young adults with autism and developmental delays achieve toileting independence.

03/27/2026

If your child will only p**p in a diaper… you are not alone.

This is one of the most common (and stressful) situations I see.

It’s easy to feel stuck or worry that something is “wrong,” but in many cases, this pattern makes a lot of sense from your child’s perspective.

A few possible reasons:
• The toilet feels unfamiliar or unsafe
• They rely on specific positions or routines
• Sensory differences make the experience uncomfortable
• They don’t yet feel secure letting go in a new place

This isn’t stubbornness. It’s not defiance.

It’s a sign your child needs support to feel safe and successful in a new way.

There *are* gentle, step-by-step ways to move forward—and I'd love to chat with you about them here or on my website pottyheroesot.com

03/25/2026

Hi everyone 👋

I’m Barbara, a pediatric Occupational Therapist, and I’m so glad you’re here.

I support families of autistic children who are navigating potty training—especially when things feel stuck, overwhelming, or just not working the way you expected.

If your child:
• won’t sit on the toilet
• only uses a diaper
• is afraid of the bathroom
• or has frequent accidents

…you are not alone.

Toileting can be incredibly complex for autistic children, and it’s not about being “ready” or “not trying hard enough.” There are often real sensory, communication, and regulation challenges behind it.

My goal is to provide practical, compassionate support that actually fits your child.

If this is something your family is working through, feel free to follow along—you’ll find tips, reassurance, and ideas you can try at home 💛

03/25/2026

Hello,

I’m an Occupational Therapist based in Alberta, and I am interested in supporting families who may be experiencing challenges with toilet training their autistic children, particularly those who live outside of Alberta’s major centres.

I’ve successfully coached numerous Albertan families to help their autistic children achieve toileting independence and I know how impactful this can be for families.

This is an area many families struggle with—especially those without consistent access to expert therapy support—so I wanted to share my website with you in case it’s helpful for the families you work with. I work virtually through zoom to support families in rural parts of the province.