A Telehealth Delivered Toilet Training Intervention for Children with Autism

Background: Independence in toileting is a vital skill, yet toilet-training interventions for children with autism are limited. Objectives: We investigated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a hybrid telehealth intervention that used synchronous individualized coaching sessions and asynchronous online educational materials to support parents in toilet training their children with autism. Method: Participants included 34 families of children with autism ages 2 to 8 years. Measures were administered at pre- and postintervention (10-12 weeks) and included the Toileting Behavior Questionnaire, Goal Attainment Scaling, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Results: Twenty-five families completed all intervention procedures. Parents found the intervention highly acceptable and reported significant improvements in child toileting behaviors; however, families accessed the asynchronous intervention materials at a low rate. Conclusion: A parent coaching model delivered through telehealth may be a promising method to increase toileting independence among families of young children with autism.