An evaluation of an in-school and home based toilet training program for a child with Fragile X Syndrome

In the current case example, we implemented a treatment that improved the toileting skills of a 6 year-old-boy diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome. The treatment program was implemented in a self-contained special education classroom at a local elementary school. A four-phase investigation was completed, which included a 2 week baseline, a two part 15 week treatment, and a follow-up assessment. During Phase 1, we conducted a preference assessment to determine potential stimuli to serve as reinforcers and gathered baseline data. For initial treatment we also slowly increased the amount of liquid the subject consumed and reached 8 ounces per session by week 8 of the program, which resulted in an increase of toilet usage. Finally in the last phase of treatment, the food edible was gradually faded. During phase 4, a follow-up probe in the participant's home setting was completed three years after the formal collection of data. Overall our results demonstrated that a toilet training treatment could be instituted in the school setting. The long-term follow up data indicated that the increases in toileting were maintained at school and home. The present findings also replicate the previous behavioral research on toileting.