12/02/2025
Happy toileting Tuesday! 🎓🧠 Operant Conditioning is a potty training method grounded in behavioral psychology, based on the work of B.F. Skinner.
It uses reinforcement and consequences to shape toileting behavior over time. That might look like:
✔️ Rewards for using the toilet
⚠️ And consequences like having to change, clean up, or wash clothes after an accident
The idea is that, eventually, fewer rewards, reminders, or repercussions will be needed.
While this method is still widely used, especially in structured settings, it comes with important caveats.
In neurodiverse populations, there’s often no clear timeline for toileting success, and approaches that rely heavily on external control can unintentionally overlook empathy, autonomy, and the child’s individual sensory or emotional needs.
Even when consequences aren’t intended as punishment, they can feel punitive and affect a child’s self-esteem and relationship with their body.
At DICP, we advocate for approaches that are not only effective, but also respectful, compassionate, and centered on the child 💛
This is the final post in our overview of traditional potty training methods—created with our co-owner Dr. Sahana Baker-Malone of . Stay tuned for a wrap-up and more support for choosing what works best for your family! 🌟
