Toilet training can be a big undertaking, so use a task analysis to make it simple! Step by step visual instructions will set your student up for success! Let me show you how to use a task analysis for toilet training.
Set up the task analysis
The first thing you need to do is set up your task analysis visuals. You can find the tasks analysis in the Toilet Training Toolkit! There are male and female visuals for urine and bowel movements. To set these up, print the visuals, then cut some strips of Astrobright paper. (affiliate link) Glue the visuals for urine in order on one side, then put the visuals for bowel movements on the other side. Make a set for females and a set for males.
Post toilet training task analysis in bathroom
Once your task analysis is prepped, set it up in the bathroom where you will be toileting training the student. There are lots more visuals included in the Toilet Training Toolkit. For more tips on how to prep the Toolkit, check out my blog post here! In order for the task analysis to be most effective, then post it right by the toilet where the student can see it clearly. Walk through each step with the student. There is a great social story included in the Toilet Training Toolkit to teach the steps.
Take toilet training data
How do you determine if an intervention is making progress? Take the data and analyze it! There are lots of data sheets included in the Toilet Training Toolkit. This one is great for tracking data on the student’s progress on the task analysis. When toilet training, you’ll be taking your student to the bathroom a lot, so having lots of spaces to take data throughout the day is key. I analyze the number of steps independent out of the total number of steps to determine progress.
Re-teach and reinforce
Your last step? Reteach and reinforce! Toilet training will likely not happen overnight. It will take time and lots of practice. You will have to reteach the steps of the task analysis several times, so you may feel like you aren’t making progress. Keep your data and stick with it! Reinforce your student for using the toilet and following the steps of their task analysis! There are lots of token boards included in the Toilet Training Toolkit. With the toilet training task analysis, your students are sure to be successful!
Toilet training is extremely daunting for a lot of teachers and parents. We use task analyses for all kinds of skills! The system of working through a skill step by step in a task analysis is an effective, evidence-based practice. Try it with toilet training your students!
