5-year-old Gabriel was so afraid to use the bathroom that he would hold his poop for days. He even ended up in the ER for constipation.

His parents worried that their attempts to help Gabriel use the toilet only made him more fearful. His family was missing out on family gatherings and outings due to his frequent accidents and tantrums.

Thanks to your support, Gabriel and his mother, Mila, were able to participate in our FIRST 5 program designed specifically for kiddos ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The family received the personal support they needed to help Gabriel overcome his fear of the bathroom.

Initially, Gabriel was anxious and nervous, and he continued to have frequent accidents. But with the support of his therapist, he learned to communicate about his body’s needs and to let his mother know when he needs to use the bathroom.

Gabriel’s therapist helped his parents develop the tools and skills they need to  understand Gabriel’s behaviors and better support and motivate him. His mother would reassure Gabriel that accidents were okay and normal, and that he would not be punished. She would also reassure him that he would not fall into the toilet and that he would be safe.

Gabriel’s parents especially appreciated that his therapist was flexible and able to meet with family at their preferred time, and she was always available for a call or visit whenever a challenging situation arose.

Thanks to your support, Gabriel no longer fears toilets or restrooms. He now uses them at home and in public places. He is also able to communicate with his mother when he needs to go potty and to ask for help. Today he’s so proud to share with his therapist that he went “poop and pee in the potty!”

Thank you for helping Gabriel and so many other kiddos like him develop the skills and supports they need to overcome early challenges and grow up healthy and happy!