it's potty time

The city schools had fall break for the last week and half. We took that opportunity to attempt potty training with Lewis. We are so happy to report (if you haven't read my last 10 or so Facebook status updates) that Lewis is doing really well. The first day I was ready to give up over all the accidents, but the next day he spent 2 hours dry in our church nursery. It was not easy, but in just 10 days or so......Lewis is staying dry, and using the potty very quickly, which is a huge bonus.

We had the aid of behavior analyst Amanda Reagan to guide us in this process. She got us started and set up the system of so many minutes on and off the potty that first day. We used videos, toys, and all kinds of fun stuff to keep Lewis on the potty until he was able to go.


Then we spoiled him profusely with candy and special toys so that he would feel rewarded when he used the potty. When he had an accident the special toys went away. After about day 3, he rarely had accidents and needed only minor reinforcement for urination. He still does not initiate going to the potty, but as long as we take him every 30 minutes to an hour, he will stay dry all day. He is starting to have fewer accidents with bowel movements too, though we have somewhat of a schedule for those as well. Yesterday was perfect, and he even woke up dry this morning. At home, and for small trips out, Lewis wears his underwear (see above) and rubber pants just in case. But honestly, I don't think he needs those anymore either, as long as we keep his schedule. I have to say that while we are mostly responsible for his success, he has learned what is expected and is compliant and eager to stay dry. We believe in time that he will begin to initiate going and become more aware of what that feels like. Since he has such a hard time understanding complex language and concepts we were not sure how potty training would go, and had our doubts at first. Lewis is proving to us that he capable of succeeding if we will make the effort to give him all the help he needs.