Toileting Challenges Support Resources
What is Toileting Challenges?
A different pace of learning and managing toileting
Toileting challenges happen when a person struggles with recognising the need to use the toilet, experiences frequent accidents, avoids toileting altogether, or has difficulty with hygiene and routines. These challenges can appear in childhood but also affect teenagers and adults due to developmental differences, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or medical conditions. Toileting difficulties are not a sign of laziness or poor parenting. They are a sign that someone needs extra support, understanding, and time to develop confidence and independence. With the right strategies, people can feel more comfortable and successful with toileting.
Toileting challenges look different for everyone
Some people fear or avoid using toilets in certain settings. Accidents may happen during the day or at night (bedwetting). Medical conditions like constipation or bladder issues can impact toileting. Sensory sensitivities (smells, sounds, textures) can make bathrooms feel overwhelming. Struggles with wiping, flushing, or washing hands can affect hygiene and confidence. Every individual’s toileting journey is unique. Recognising these factors is key to creating patient, tailored support.
Support should focus on dignity and comfort
Punishing or shaming toileting difficulties doesn’t help it increases stress and can delay progress. Real support is calm, respectful, and paced to the individual’s needs. With structured routines, sensory adjustments, and gentle guidance, people can develop the skills and confidence needed for independent and stress-free toileting.
Championing with Toileting Challenges
We help children, teens, and adults experiencing toileting difficulties by creating practical, respectful strategies that protect dignity and build independence step by step.
Understanding the reasons for toileting challenges
We look at developmental readiness, sensory needs, medical conditions, and emotional factors impacting toileting.
Supporting hygiene and self-care skills
We teach wiping, handwashing, and clothing management in simple, achievable ways that build independence.
Creating calm and predictable bathroom environments
We help design bathrooms and routines that feel safe, private, and less overwhelming.
Collaborating with healthcare and continence specialists
We work with doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists to address medical or physical challenges.
Building structured routines and reminders
We develop visual supports, prompts, and step-by-step plans that make toileting easier to manage.
Reducing stress and building confidence for families
We guide carers in responding calmly to accidents and setbacks, creating positive and pressure-free learning experiences.
How we can help Toileting Challenges
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to manage toileting routines calmly and effectively
Practical strategies to build independence while maintaining dignity
Guidance for carers to respond without shame or pressure
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to understand toileting barriers (medical, sensory, or developmental)
Recommendations for continence products, adaptive equipment, and supports
NDIS planning to include toileting and hygiene skill development
Skill-Building and Hygiene Support →
Step-by-step coaching for toileting skills, wiping, and handwashing
Visual aids and routines to support learning and independence
Activities that gradually build comfort with bathroom use
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans addressing toileting avoidance or frequent accidents
Strategies to reduce anxiety and build positive bathroom experiences
Training for educators and carers to support consistent toileting routines
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to manage anxiety, fear, or trauma linked to toileting
Support for emotional regulation and confidence building
Tools to help children and adults feel safe using toilets in different settings
Regional Intensives →
In-home, hands-on support for toileting challenges in remote areas
Guidance for carers to implement toileting plans consistently
Collaboration with local health professionals for ongoing support
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.