Abstract
This study aimed to understand how the process of toilet training occurred in autistic children. This is a retrospective, descriptive study with qualitative analysis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven caregivers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aged between 2 and 6 years old, who had already completed this training. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Data analysis allowed us to identify four categories: toilet training for evacuation, toilet training for urination, supporting strategies, and difficulties in the process. The results indicated greater difficulty for children with ASD to control their feces and, in general, daytime and nighttime toilet training occurred in two stages. Accessories and playful resources were used to facilitate the process, in addition to positive reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment strategies. There were emotional and physical difficulties for the caregivers themselves, and they did not receive professional help. This study advances knowledge about toilet training for children with ASD, indicating strategies that facilitate this process, both for caregivers and children, contributing to the training of professionals who work with this population.
Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorder; Toilet training; Child development