Abstract

This practical guide equips practitioners to support families and carers in developing effective toilet training programmes and provide continued help with analysing and addressing problems that occur. With appropriate intervention and persistence most children on the autism spectrum can be toilet trained, however difficult it may sometimes seem at first.

Eve Fleming and Lorraine MacAlister are specialists on continence problems in autism and have packed their expertise into this accessible guide. Focusing on the 3 'Ps' - preparation, practicalities and problem-solving - they offer a step-by-step process tailored for children with autism, which includes strategies for managing behavioural issues, approaches to address sensory sensitivities and advice on overcoming specific bowel and bladder difficulties. It also has an invaluable chapter on approaching toilet training with children with PDA.

This book will give early years practitioners, special education teachers, paediatric and school nurses, health visitors and other frontline professionals the knowledge and skills to support children with autism spectrum disorder and their families with toilet training.

This is a comprehensive and extremely useful book about the toileting difficulties associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. From developing basic toilet training and independence skills to discussing more complex issues like sensory differences, constipation, smearing and avoidant behaviour the book clearly demonstrates the importance of understanding how autism impacts on these difficulties. It offers practical, tried and tested suggestions and includes useful resources and links. This is going to be an invaluable book that has successfully drawn together, for the first time, everything you need to know about this subject.
Suzie Franklin, Author, Personalisation in Practice, and Family Liaison, Inscape House School
This is a 'must-have' book. A comprehensive, informative and easy-to-read guide through the difficulties of toilet training individuals with ASD, this book is helpful for professionals and parents alike. It is thorough and full of practical, tried and tested ideas. The use of parent views makes this an excellent resource.
Lizi Snushall, Senior Teacher at Uffculme School (ASD specific), Birmingham
I was delighted to be asked to review this excellent book which gives a common sense and practical approach to toilet training children with ASD. By debunking the myth that toilet training should be delayed until the child 'is ready' it ensures that all children with ASD are given the same opportunities as their peers. I would suggest that this book should be essential reading for all those involved with the care of such children.
June Rogers MBE, PromoCon Paediatric Continence Specialist

Dr Eve Fleming has worked for many years as a community paediatrician in South Warwickshire, UK, and has led the bowel and bladder support services and clinics in this area. She co-authored the Department of Health exemplar on toilet training problems and special needs, and has contributed to training courses for professionals managing continence difficulties in children. Eve is also a Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick Medical School.

Lorraine MacAlister is an Autism Training Consultant at The National Autistic Society, UK, where she delivers training on autism, sensory considerations, behaviour, communication and effective strategies for supporting individuals with autism.

A fabulous book packed full of useful information, practical strategies, hints and tips.
Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism