Life skills · Toilet training

Toilet training for SEND children

Toilet training often takes longer for children and young people with SEND. Readiness, sensory differences, communication and constipation all play a part. These are practical starting points, not a strict programme.

Practical ideas

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When to push for help

Pain, withholding, soiling and sudden regression often have a medical cause. Ask for review if any of these apply.

Your child is in pain when weeing or pooing, or has blood in their wee or poo.
There is sudden regression with no clear trigger, especially with tummy pain or soiling.
Your child is withholding poo for days at a time, or passing large hard poos infrequently.
There are signs of urinary tract infection: fever, smelly or cloudy wee, pain or frequent accidents.
Your child is school-age and not yet toilet trained, and you have not had continence support.

Useful links

ERIC: the children's continence charity ERIC: toilet training children with additional needs ERIC: toilet training support Contact: help for families

Last reviewed: 19 June 2026

Toilet training for SEND children

Practical ideas

Readiness signs and when to start

Sensory and communication barriers

Building a toilet training routine

Regression, constipation and continence support

When to push for help

Useful links

Toilet training for SEND children

Practical ideas

Readiness signs and when to start

Sensory and communication barriers

Building a toilet training routine

Regression, constipation and continence support

When to push for help

Useful links