An Information Package for the

support of successful toileting

Nicole Glynn and Sarah Kellie

4th year Occupational Therapy students

SUNEDEN
SCHOOL

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 Toilet Training Troubles
Toilet training is among the most important skills a
child needs to learn.

Independent toileting is a developmental milestone

which allows individuals to fully participate in
community activities as well as to develop a sense
of personal responsibility and self-confidence.

Lack of success in toilet training is one of the

most difficult challenges for parents and carers of
individuals with special needs. Repeated failure to
achieve independent toileting frequently leads to the
mistaken belief that it is simply not possible because
the individual has a developmental disability.

This information package for the support of

successful toileting outlines the various:

1 Services
2 Helplines
3 Resources
5 Continence Aids and Products
6 Funding Sources
6 Support Groups
7 Libraries

“Toilet Training Troubles” is aimed at South

Australian parents and carers of children with a
developmental disability to assist in the complex
task of toileting.

We hope you find this “Toilet Training Troubles”

information package helpful.

Nicole Glynn and Sarah Kellie

4th year Occupational Therapy students
University of South Australia

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 Services
Autism SA
3 Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank 5064
(08) 8379 6976
www.autismsa.org.au
Autism SA is a non-government organisation
that provides a range of services to individuals
diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
and their families.
Autism SA Toilet Training Services
• For families registered with the Autism SA Early
Development Program (EDP), home visits are
available to assist with toileting programs through
the Family and Information Officer - EDP.
Disability Services SA
31 Blacks Road, Gilles Plains SA 5086
(08) 8366 7300
www.dfc.sa.gov.au
Disability Services SA assists, supports and
provides a range of services to individuals over
the age of six with a diagnosed intellectual
disability and their families.
Disability SA Toilet Training Services
• Specialized services in the home and at school.
• Groups and workshops for parents on toilet training.
• Refers clients to alternative agencies, services
and resources.
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Minda Incorporated Outreach Service
1228 South Road, Clovelly Park 5042
(08) 8179 5222
www.mindainc.com.au
Minda Incorporated Outreach Services is a team
of experienced, multi-disciplined professionals
that work with families who have a person with
an assessed developmental delay or intellectual
disability living in the family home.
Minda Outreach Toilet Training Services
• Develops individualized toilet training programs
to meet each child’s unique needs.
• Strategies and resources for families to use.
• Implementing and monitoring toilet training
programs in the family home.
Novita Children’s Services
171 Days Road, Regency Park SA 5010
(08) 8243 8243
www.novita.org.au
Novita Children’s Services is the main provider of
therapy and family support services to children aged
0-18 years with physical or multiple disabilities.
Novita’s Toilet Training Services
• Specialist services and advice in the home.
• Equipment loan available to families.
• Assists in the application for funding of equipment.
Helplines
Autism SA Helpline
Freecall 1300 AUTISM (1300 288 476)
The Autism SA Helpline is available 9.00am–4.00pm
Monday to Friday for non-clinical advice and
information relating to Autism.
Continence Aids Assistance Scheme Helpline
Freecall 1300 366 455
The Continence Aids Assistance Scheme Helpline
is available during working hours Monday to Friday
for people who require more information regarding The National Public Toilet Map
the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme or wish to
obtain an application form for funding. The National Public Toilet Map shows
the location of more than 14,000
National Continence Helpline
public toilet facilities across Australia.
Freecall 1800 33 00 66
Details of toilet facilities can also be
The National Continence Helpline is staffed during
found along major travel routes and
working hours Monday to Friday by a team of
continence nurse advisors who provide confidential for shorter journeys as well. Useful
information about bladder or bowel problems, information is provided about each
products and local continence services. They will toilet, such as location, opening
mail-out a range of free brochures, posters, booklets hours, availability of baby change
and information leaflets upon request. rooms, accessibility for people with
disabilities and the details of other
nearby toilets.
The National Public Toilet Map can
be accessed at www.toiletmap.gov.au
or by phoning the National Continence
Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 and requ-
esting free printed copies of the maps.
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 Resources
Continence Foundation of Australia Fact Sheets
• Good Bladder Habits for Everyone
• Childhood Bed-Wetting
• Bed-Wetting in Young Adults
• Products: Aids and Appliances for Incontinence
Continence Foundation of Australia Booklets
• The Dry Night
Advice for parents of children who wet their beds.
• Sleepover
Guide for young children: a story on bed-wetting.
• Watertight
A guide for older children, young people and
parents about bed-wetting.
• The Continence Guide: Bladder and Bowel
Control Explained
This 32-page booklet is written for people with
bladder or bowel problems and their carers. It
contains information about how the bladder and
bowel work, looks into the different reasons why
things can go wrong and provides strategies on
how to assist with these issues.
To get a free copy of any Continence Foundation
of Australia brochure or booklet, please call the
National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66
or visit www.continence.org.au.
Manuals
• “Are You Ready?” Toilet Training Package
The “Are You Ready?” toilet training package
includes the popular animation “Tom’s Toilet
Triumph”, laminated cue cards, an “Are You
Ready?” booklet and a short film for parents/
carers. The entire package comes neatly
contained in a single folder for easy storage.
The “Are You Ready?” toilet training package
is most suitable for parents/carers who are
toilet training older children or adults with an
intellectual disability and can be ordered with
the animation and film on DVD or video.
This manual is available to purchase from Disability
SA, or to borrow from the ILC or the libraries listed
at the end of this booklet.
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Books
• 1 Step at a Time: Toilet Training a Child with
an Intellectual Disability
This brief guide, compiled by the Continence
Foundation of Australia, assists parents and
carers to identify when a child is ready to
be toilet trained and describes a program to
follow to help with daytime toilet training.
• Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and
Related Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide
for Parents and Teachers
This book by Maria Wheeler, outlines strategies
which have been demonstrated to be effective
when teaching toileting skills. It is an easy-to-read
accessible book, covering all aspects of the
subject, including over 200 toilet training tips
together with more than 40 case examples
with solutions.
• How You Can Be Boss of the Bladder
This book by Dr. Janet Hall is broken down
into 3 sections; for children to read, for parents,
& professional treatments. Complete with basic
illustrations, this book provides a practical and
non-threatening approach to bed-wetting and
bladder control.
These books are available to purchase from all good
bookstores, or to borrow at the libraries listed at the
end of this booklet.
Children’s Picture Books
• It’s Potty Time
Some children are frightened by the sights and
sounds of a toilet. This book aims to make toilet-
training both easy and rewarding by reassuring
children that the toilet is not something to be
afraid of, but part of the growing up process.
It also features a “toilet flushing sound” and is
available in both girl and boy formats.
• Go Girl! Go Potty!
This book by Emily Bolam uses a gentle tone and
amusing pictures to give children answers as to
who sits on the potty.
• No Potty! Yes Potty!
This potty book by Emily Bolam is just for boys.
It features flaps to lift in order to discover who
should and shouldn’t use the potty.
The children picture books are available to purchase
from all good bookstores.
Websites
• www.cyh.com
This South Australian parenting and child health
website produced by Child and Youth Health
includes easy-to-follow guides on a wide range
of parenting, development and health topics from
birth to adolescence.
For toilet training information visit:
www.cyh.com/Helathtopics/HealthTopicDetails.
aspx?p=114&np=122&id=1837
• www.ds-health.com
This American website, produced privately by
a paediatrician who is the father of a child with
Down Syndrome, provides general information
about Down Syndrome for educational purposes.
For toilet training information visit:
www.ds-health.com/train.htm
• www.autismsa.org.au
This South Australian website provides information
on autism, educational and communication
approaches and research.
For toilet training information visit:
www.autismsa.org.au/pdf/strategies/IS20_
toileting.pdf
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 Continence Aids and Products
Continence aids and products available
Absorbent pads and pants
Designed to absorb urine and to contain faeces,
absorbent pads and pants are available in a
range of sizes and absorbency levels, and in both
disposable and re-usable varieties.
Absorbent bed sheets and chair covers
Re-usable and disposable bed and chair protection
absorbs the moisture into the material layer away
from the skin. They can be used to directly absorb
urine or provide extra protection when used with
other continence aids.
Products to assist toileting
Urine bottles, bedpans, commodes, handrails and
raised toilet seats are available to assist people
to be more independent at home when they are
unable to move easily and quickly.
Odour control products
Used to minimize odour, and increase comfort
and cleanliness.
Selecting continence products
Independent Living Centre
11 Blacks Road, Gilles Plains SA 5086
1300 885 886 (SA/NT only)
(08) 8266 5260
www.ilc.asn.au
The Information and Advisory Service
Staffed by Occupational Therapists the service
provides information and advice on equipment and
techniques to assist individuals with everyday tasks
and maintain their independence. An extensive
range of equipment is available for the public to
browse and trial.
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Continence Resource Centre
Staffed by Registered Nurse/Continence Nurse
Advisors, the continence resource centre provides
information and advice on bladder and bowel
problems. Information includes continence services
information, funding schemes, products and an
extensive product display.
Both services are available to all members of the
community including people with a disability, injury
or illness, carers, family members, community
groups, organisations, health professionals and
students. Opening hours are 9am-5pm Monday to
Friday, excluding public holidays. All services are
free of charge.
Purchasing continence products
Independence Solutions
2A Jones Street, Nailsworth SA 5083
1300 788 855
http://www.independencesolutions.com.au
Independence Solutions has a showroom with
continence aids and products on display, and
samples of disposable products to trial. Public
can order products at the showroom, by phoning
the Customer Service Centre or on-line. The
Independence Solutions Showroom is open to the
public 9am–5pm Monday to Friday.
McNeils Surgical
29-31 Magill Road, Stepney SA 5069
(08) 8363 0888
http://www.mcneilsurgical.com.au/continence3.html
McNeils Surgical provide specialist advice on
continence products, pricing information and product
brochures. The store has a wide range of products
on display, and samples of disposable continence
products to trial. Products can be purchased at the
store, by calling the Customer Service Centre or
on-line. The McNeills showroom is open to the
public 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Funding for continence products
Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS)
CAAS is a Commonwealth program that offers
assistance to people with permanent and on-going
incontinence due to a neurological condition
or intellectual impairment. CAAS helps eligible
clients meet the cost of continence aids. Currently
applicants for CAAS must be between 16 and 64
years of age. From 1st July 2007, age eligibility
will be expanded to include people aged 5 years
and over. CAAS clients receive a subsidy of up to
$470 per year for continence aids.
For more information on CAAS or to obtain an
application form, please contact CAAS Helpline on
1300 366 455 or visit www.intouchdirect.com.au.
Novita Continence Assistance
Novita Continence Assistance is a government-
funded program that provides funding for continence
products for children 4-16 years. It is not specific
for Novita clients and the child must be referred
by a Doctor or Therapist. The child must have
a health condition or significant disability, and
be permanently dependant on nappies. Eligible
clients may be assisted to the amount of $470 per
financial year.
For more information, please contact Julie Webb
on (08) 8243 8254 Mondays, Thursdays and
Fridays 9am-2.30pm.
Support Groups
Bio-Medical Interventions Interest Group
This group provides information and support for
parents who are interested in exploring bio-medical
treatment options for their child with Autism.
Meets: 3rd Wednesday of the month
Venue: Autism SA, 3 Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank
Contact: Dimity Knight on 8370 2762 (9am-3pm)
or email ddknight@iprimus.com.au
The Family Connections Group
An informal support group welcoming parents/
carers of children and adults with an Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
Facilitator: Ali Roach from Autism SA
Meets: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
(excluding School Holidays)
Venue: Surrey Downs Community Centre,
6 Zanoni Crescent, Surrey Downs
Contact: Teresa Sandona on 8397 7278
Western Area Autism Support Group
The aim of this group is to offer mutual support in a
friendly environment.
Meets: 1st Monday of the month at 7:30pm
Venue: Garden Cottage, Bower Cottages,
200 Bower Road, Semaphore Park
Contact: Linda Sandell on 8355 5021 or
0418 854 296 or email sandell@bigpond.net.au
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 Libraries
Autism SA Resource Centre
3 Fisher Street, Myrtle Bank SA 5064
(08) 8379 6976
www.autismsa.org.au
The Autism SA Resource Centre offers information
services to people with Autism Spectrum Disorders,
their parents, carers, and interested members of
the public. The Resource Centre has a range
of books and videos on Autism and Asperger
Syndrome. While the service is free to Autism SA
financial members and families, there is a fee for
external members.
Disability Information Resource Centre (DIRC)
195 Gilles Street, Adelaide SA 5000
1300 305 558
www.dircsa.org.au
The DIRC Library offers material on most disabilities
and related issues. The main collection has over
2,500 resources in various formats including
books, kits, posters, videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs.
The service is available to members of the public
free of charge.
Disability SA Library and Information Service
Strathmont Centre
696-710 Grand Junction Road, Oakden SA 5086
(08) 8266 8556
www.familiesandcommunities.sa.gov.au
The Disability SA Library and Information Service
maintains an updated collection of information
and resources on aspects of intellectual disabilities
and autism spectrum disorders. The collection
includes children’s picture books about a range of
disabilities, and information for parents and carers.
The service is available to members of the public
free of charge.
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Novita Toy and Resource Centre
Ground Floor, Regency Park Centre
Days Road, Regency Park SA 5010
(08) 8243 8316
The Novita Toy and Resource Centre has the largest
collection of specialist materials for children with a
physical disability in the state of South Australia. The
collection includes parenting books and audio-visual
materials, toys and specialist resources. The centre
is free to all Novita clients.
Acknowledgements
We would especially like to thank the parents, staff
and students of Suneden Special School for their
encouragement, participation and support throughout
the project. Without your involvement, the project
would not have been possible. Julia, your guidance
and positive comments has ensured the project has
flowed smoothly and we have achieved the results
we were hoping for. Adele, your knowledge, interest
and enthusiasm at the school has provided us with an
incentive to make this project worthwhile and successful.
We must also thank the Parents and Friends Committee
of Suneden Special School for their kind generosity
in providing money for the purchase of toilet training
resources and books for the parents, staff and students
of the school.
In no particular order, we would also like to thank
the following people and agencies for their support
during our 10 week Participatory Community Develop-
ment project at Suneden Special School, and their
assistance in developing this “Toilet Training Troubles”
information package.
• Brian Matthews – Senior Lecturer, Department of
Disability Studies, Flinders University
• Rosalie Donhardt – Registered Nurse, Continence
Resource Centre, Disability SA
• Debbie Atkins – Occupational Therapist, Disability SA
• Chris Chittleborough – Occupational Therapist,
Disability SA
• Michelle Stevens – Senior Family and Information
Officer, Autism SA
• Belinda Talbot – Occupational Therapist, Autism SA
• Debi Carr – Developmental Educator, Minda
Incorporated Outreach Services
• Judy Chancellor – Occupational Therapist, Novita
Children’s Services
• Julie Webb – Continence Officer, Novita Family
Support Services
• Kirsty Kerr – Psychologist
• Jane Hyde – Library and Information Officer, Disability
Information Resource Centre
• Deb Kay – Manager Interagency Health Care,
Department of Education and Children’s Services SA
• Marg Pedler – Principal, Key Early Years (KEYS)
• Jenny McGinn – Director, Briar Early Learning Centre
• Rebecca Seacombe – Occupational Therapist, St.
Patrick’s Special School
• Dimity Knight – Occupational Therapist, St. Ann’s
Special School
• Helen Marsden – Teacher, Christie Downs
Special School
• Tricia Coulthard – Whyalla Special School
• Sue Gilbert-Hunt – Participatory Community Practice
Course Co-ordinator, University of South Australia
• Karina Welford – Participatory Community Practice
Tutor, University of South Australia
• Lisa Howard – Visual Communication Honours,
University of South Australia
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 Participatory Community Development Project

© 2007

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