The Book of Poo
Fun Toilet Learning for People with Special Needs
by
Book Details
About the Book
You’ve helped your child learn about the world and achieve new skills, and now you’re ready to take on toilet learning for “number two.” You’re now on a superhero journey, especially if you’re raising a child with special needs. In The Book of Poo, author Amanda Smigielski offers a self-help manual for those seeking to enable the development of toilet independence, with a focus on youngsters outside the mainstream. Using the author’s personal experiences as a parent to a child with Down syndrome, this manual addresses the following areas: • getting started on your Poo in the Toilet campaign (PIT campaign); • diet, gut, and psychology; • development expectations and patterns; • communication and cognitive development; • toilet specific teaching; and • mediation including timings and actions. With a section of support materials with diagrams, The Book of Poo is designed to assist toilet trainers: parents, carers and other professionals. It focuses on those learners with a range of conditions such as Down syndrome, ASD, and PDA who find the process of developing new skills challenging, particularly around sensory issues. These tried and tested approaches hone the carer’s observational methods and emotional skills, enabling better understanding of the learner’s needs and how to give the most appropriate support.
About the Author
Amanda Smigielski began her working life as a teacher in London and the North of England. A career in education followed. This included management, further academic qualifications, and research. Her interest in cognitive development and personal experience led to further training and research in supporting individuals with special needs. Smigielski is a parent, carer, and keen nature enthusiast. She lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children, one of whom has complex learning needs.