Toilet Training - Downs Sysdrome Child

[GrouchyBear]

We have a child who is not completely toilet trained. It varys on doing number 1, most times he lets you know. However, number 2 does not seem to be going anywhere fast. He will let you know sometimes when he has gone number 2, but most times he doesn't. He is now 8 years old and will be 9 in January. He is set on having most things done for him and gets upset when they are not. Currently his mother and I are separated and are pursuing a divorce. I would like to gain full custody of him. How are downs children affected by divorce and parents who aren't together? I try to make him do for himself when he is with me. I ask if he needs to go potty, but I think that he generally says no because he is preoccupied with whatever has his interest at the time. I am concerned about his age and not being toilet trained, and what affect it might have on him if one of us would not be around as much due to having to take employment elsewhere.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Most children with DS are quite capable of using the toliet correctly at the age of eight. My guess is that if you dedicate some concerted effort towrs this goal he will succeed. There is no way to offer a generalization about the reaction to divorce. Children with DS, like all children definitely benefit from a family environment with a sound climate and good support. After divorce, if the parents can be mutually supportive and refrain from conflict, most children can adapt. It's the nature of the ongoing relationship between the parents that is crucial.