A Closer Look: Samuel (potty training)

_{Published by CdLS Foundation USA, Reaching out, third quarter 2017}

_{Thanks to Samuel’s mom, Linda, for sharing his story}

Potty training our older, typical son was no big deal. We waited until he was ready and he was potty trained in a weekend. This was not the case with our younger son, Samuel, who has CdLS. Samuel is 12 years old and considered mildly affected with CdLS. He walks, talks, sings, jumps, runs, and more, however, none of these events have progressed typically.

One of our biggest struggles has been potty training. Samuel has a severe gag reflex when he sees or touches certain textures such as cotton balls, silly string or shredded paper. One of the textures that really bothers him is underwear—he cannot see or touch most underwear without vomiting. We tried many kinds with no success, but finally found some that he can handle:  boxer briefs with the elastic covered in fabric. 

To encourage actually going in the potty, we have practiced following success with a reward. Samuel loves candles, so he gets to blow out one if he pees in the potty and two if he has a bowel movement. To carry over the reward to school, we bought candle stickers. However, we still struggled. 

I recently left town for a few days so Samuel stayed at home with Dad, and I discovered that Dad is more stubborn than our preteen! After a lot of struggle, Samuel kept his underwear on for an entire day! It became easier and easier. The first few weeks were full of accidents, but the biggest hurdle was over; the underwear stayed on.

The best lesson I have learned is not to give up, because nothing is typical. Everything is done in Samuel’s own way and in his own time. More than 11 years of diapers are behind us and, even now when he goes on the potty, Samuel gets to blow out his favorite candles!