Teaching toileting skills can be a defining moment not only for your clients but also for their caregivers. The independence that comes with successful toilet training opens doors for improved quality of life, increased autonomy, and moments of pure joy. If you’re looking for actionable toilet training tips, you’re in the right place. This was the heart of our latest free CEU webinar, Mastering Reinforcement-Based Toileting, where we explored strategies and evidence-based approaches designed to set you and your clients up for success. 

If you couldn’t join us live, don’t worry. You can still watch the On-demand recording and access your CEU here. But for now, here’s a sneak peek at the top five takeaways to help you get started. 

1. Preparation is everything 

The foundations for successful toilet training begin before you even start focusing on the skill itself. One of the most critical steps is ensuring that both the client and their support system—parents, teachers, caregivers—are prepared and ready to commit. Without this buy-in and consistency, progress can stall quickly. 

Then assess whether the client is developmentally ready. Here’s what to look for: 

• Does the child show discomfort with a wet or soiled diaper? 

• Can they stay dry for at least 90 minutes at a time? 

• Do they have functional communication skills (like manding “potty,” using an icon, or signing for the bathroom)? 

• Are parents or caregivers available to commit to a few focused weeks of training? 

Once you’ve checked those boxes, it’s time to prepare the environment. Pairing the bathroom with positive experiences before you begin training can set the tone. For example, during this pre-training phase, you can bring the client into the bathroom every 30 minutes for a diaper check. While there, pair simple vocal prompts (“potty?”) with fun and engaging reinforcement such as songs or favorite books. This makes the bathroom a less intimidating, more welcoming space. 

2. Every plan needs to be personalized 

Sure, there are steps and best practices, but this is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every client has unique needs, preferences, and behaviors, so the toileting procedure should be tailored. 

Offer specific, high-value reinforcers—these could be toys, snacks, or extra time with their favorite activity—but keep them exclusive. The thought of earning that highly motivating tablet time might be the thing that drives success. 

It also helps to know the client’s preferred way of communicating. If they use an icon to request potty breaks, make sure everyone (from caregivers to therapists) uses that system consistently. And don’t forget to set realistic goals. For example, you might aim for one accident or fewer per week combined with independent initiation of bathroom use over three weeks before calling the process mastered. 

3.  Accidents don’t need attention 

Accidents are inevitable, but how you handle them can influence how quickly your client learns. The key here is not to react emotionally or with disappointment. Instead, think of them as teachable moments. 

When an accident happens, calmly redirect the child to the bathroom and try to help them finish there, if possible. Avoid making it feel like a punishment or a failure by keeping your tone neutral. Once they’re in the bathroom, you can guide them through the routine—washing hands, pulling up pants, etc.—and reset for the next interval. The more positive and structured this experience is, the stronger the association with the desired behavior. 

One thing to avoid? Overcorrection or excessive focus on accidents. This can create anxiety and make the bathroom process stressful, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. 

4. Track everything, but make it simple 

Toileting success lies in the details, which is where data collection plays a massive role. Tracking helps you understand patterns, spot progress, and adjust as needed. But it can feel overwhelming if you’re using paper-based systems or juggling too many variables. 

This is where tools like Catalyst come in handy. Catalyst simplifies the whole process with electronic data collection tailored specifically for ABA practices. You can log details like: 

• Successes and accidents 

• Urine vs. bowel movements 

• Dry intervals 

• Whether initiation was prompted or independent 

It also features automatic graphing, so you can see trends in real-time. For example, if you see that your client is consistently dry at 15-minute intervals, you can adjust to longer intervals with confidence. And if you’re working with a full team of therapists, parents, and other caregivers, having a centralized data collection system keeps everyone on the same page. 

Toileting isn’t just about what happens during a therapy session. For this skill to stick, caregivers need to run the same playbook at home, school, and everywhere in between. 

Start by involving them in the training itself. Walk parents through the procedure in detail before you start and provide hands-on coaching during the process. Make sure you give them the tools they need, like easy-to-follow written guides and strategies for addressing common challenges. And don’t forget the power of data—caregivers can log progress using tools like Catalyst (which offers parent logins), giving you even more insight into the child’s progress outside therapy. 

When caregivers fully understand the “why” behind each step and are empowered to stay consistent, the child has a much better chance of long-term success. 

Free resources to support you 

Reinforcement-based toileting doesn’t have to be overwhelming – especially not when we’ve got some great free tools to support you: 

• On-demand CEU webinar: Watch (or rewatch) the full Mastering Reinforcement-Based Toileting webinar at your convenience – and earn one free general CEU while you’re at it! 

• Downloadable toileting procedure: Download our free toileting guide, packed with step-by-step strategies from the webinar 

• Catalyst data collection trial: See firsthand how Catalyst can simplify data collection & analysis for not just toileting, but all your ABA interventions. Start your free trial. 

Why wait? 

Implementing the right toilet training tips and procedure can be a game-changer for your clients and their families. Whether you’re working with a non-verbal three-year-old, a client with previous unsuccessful training attempts, or a busy school setting, these strategies are here to help. Take advantage of the on-demand webinar and tools we’ve shared to enhance your practice and make what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming intervention simple, effective, and rewarding. r practice and make what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming intervention simple, effective, and rewarding.-ethical dilemma, remember that navigating it isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. By approaching these situations with compassion, curiosity, and a solid understanding of the BACB code of ethics, you can deliver therapy that honors both your professional standards and the unique diversity of your clients’ lives.