In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, we welcome Allison Jandu, potty training consultant and author of The Adaptive Toolkit for Potty Training Children with Disabilities. Together, we take a developmentally informed look at potty training and why readiness, not timelines or pressure, is the key to success.

Allison shares why she wrote her book and addresses common misconceptions that often create stress for families. We talk about how to recognize true readiness, what to do when a child is not ready but external pressure exists, and how readiness may look different for children with disabilities or developmental differences. The conversation also explores accidents and regressions, what they tell us about a child’s nervous system, and how parents can respond in supportive ways.

We dive into sensory factors that often interfere with potty training, including barriers parents may not realize are at play, and discuss the role of retained reflexes and how they can impact staying dry. Allison offers practical strategies for adapting the potty training process, including small changes families can make right away and tips for managing potty use outside the home.

This episode is designed to help parents feel informed, confident, and less alone, reminding listeners that potty training is not about doing it perfectly but about supporting each child’s individual developmental path.