Toileting differences and withholding are incredibly common in children and young people, yet standard parenting advice almost always misses the mark when it comes to neurodivergent or disabled children. Traditional reward charts, rigid timelines, and generic guidance can leave families feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and wondering what to try next.
If this sounds familiar, please know that you are not alone.
Many of our families will already know the brilliant Laura Hellfeld, who delivers our autism courses and works closely with us. As both an experienced nurse and a parent to neurodivergent children, Laura brings deep understanding, professional knowledge, and real compassion to everything she does.
Laura has poured that expertise into a brand-new book: Flush Forward: A Guide to Supporting Neurodivergent and Disabled Young People with Toileting Differences and Withholding.
Why Standard Advice Doesn’t Work
For neurodivergent young people, toileting isn’t simply a behavioural milestone to tick off. It is deeply connected to:
- Sensory processing: How the bathroom smells, looks, sounds, and feels (from cold seats to the sound of flushing).
- Interoception: The ability to sense and recognise internal bodily signals like a full bladder or bowel.
- Communication differences: Finding ways to express needs and discomfort without distress or overwhelm.
- Co-occurring medical conditions: Managing physical issues such as chronic constipation, hypermobility, or gut sensitivities.
Flush Forward shifts the focus away from pressure and rigid expectations, offering practical, compassionate strategies tailored to how neurodivergent brains and bodies actually work.
What to Expect from Flush Forward
Written specifically for parents, carers, and supporting professionals, the book provides accessible, actionable guidance designed to empower families rather than add to their stress.
- Neurodiversity-affirming approaches: Respectful support that honours autonomy and comfort.
- Practical troubleshooting: Realistic ideas for addressing withholding, anxiety, and sensory overload.
- Accessible formats: Clear, easy-to-digest chapters designed for busy, tired parents.
Exclusive 20% Discount for Our Community
We are thrilled to share that Laura’s publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, has provided an exclusive 20% discount code for our community.
- Discount Code:
HICCUP20 - Order Link: https://uk.jkp.com/products/flush-forward?_pos=1&_sid=ca6f973cd&_ss=r
Whether you are in the thick of toileting challenges right now or looking to better understand your young person’s sensory and physical needs, this book is an invaluable, gentle resource to have on your shelf.
