Help with bottle and ASD 3 year old

My son still has a dummy at 6 years old (gradually reduced it just at bedtime or times of stress). He had a bottle for some 4 years and needed it (!) as it sounds like your little one does too. My son has Autism with sensory needs which is why sucking and chewing is self-soothing for him and this should not be taken away but perhaps redirected over a long time. We were lucky as he would take a dummy but as you have tried this could I suggest a chew toy. If you search on the internet for Autism/chew the search will bring up all sorts but if you look on Amazon they do a number of safe chew necklaces/bracelets etc which might be worth trying as well as the bottle at first. You might find this works or not but worth a try.  Re nappies this is a long process and in my opinion can only really be done when child is ready, rushing or pushing makes an immediate barrier. We tried all sorts of things but patience was the thing that worked most! Wait until the Summer and leave him running around the garden without a nappy on and put down a potty, if he even sits on it for a second praise him (go to town on the praise!!) and then he will gradually get the idea until the first wee comes. Speak to your pre-school as they will be experienced in this and don't worry a good school should be able to support a child in nappies. Dont feel alone in this or pressurised to conform as I do know how you feel. The worst thing is standing in the pre-school queue listening to other parents singing the praises of their children. Our little people will have great advanced skills in other things, going for a wee on a toilet is not important to them right now so why push it! xxx

My son still has a dummy at 6 years old (gradually reduced it just at bedtime or times of stress). He had a bottle for some 4 years and needed it (!) as it sounds like your little one does too. My son has Autism with sensory needs which is why sucking and chewing is self-soothing for him and this should not be taken away but perhaps redirected over a long time. We were lucky as he would take a dummy but as you have tried this could I suggest a chew toy. If you search on the internet for Autism/chew the search will bring up all sorts but if you look on Amazon they do a number of safe chew necklaces/bracelets etc which might be worth trying as well as the bottle at first. You might find this works or not but worth a try.  Re nappies this is a long process and in my opinion can only really be done when child is ready, rushing or pushing makes an immediate barrier. We tried all sorts of things but patience was the thing that worked most! Wait until the Summer and leave him running around the garden without a nappy on and put down a potty, if he even sits on it for a second praise him (go to town on the praise!!) and then he will gradually get the idea until the first wee comes. Speak to your pre-school as they will be experienced in this and don't worry a good school should be able to support a child in nappies. Dont feel alone in this or pressurised to conform as I do know how you feel. The worst thing is standing in the pre-school queue listening to other parents singing the praises of their children. Our little people will have great advanced skills in other things, going for a wee on a toilet is not important to them right now so why push it! xxx

Thank you for this. I’m new to all the ASD at the moment and you are so right about the comparisons of other kids - avoiding party invites etc even crossing my mind just to not gain anymore attention on him than he needs x