Caregiver Implemented Standardized to Individualized Behavior Analytic Toilet Training Package for Autistic Preschoolers

Abstract

Autistic children often face challenges with toilet training and may benefit from a more structured and systematic approach compared to methods used for neurotypical children. While research and literature in this area has shown that behavior analytic toilet training packages can lead to increasing successful urinations and reducing accidents for autistic children, limitations such as not including caregivers as the individuals implementing the package, unsustainable sit schedules, and lack of acceptable levels of checks for accurate data collection and implementation of procedures highlight the need for refining of implementation oversight and examination of updated toileting procedures without the use of punishment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a caregiver implemented standardized to individualized behavior analytic toilet training package. Two participants have completed the study. Both completed participants have learned to independently successfully urinate in the toilet with systematic package and maintained responding over fading procedures and following 4-weeks. One completed participant required the contingent progressive sit schedule phase. Three participants are currently enrolled and actively completing sessions, one of which has progressed to a contingent progressive sit schedule phase. Three participants withdrew from the study prior to completion. Results and limitations will be discussed