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Jessica Irwin is a childhood routine expert, pediatric occupational therapist, and lover of all things child development.
She has worked in pediatrics since 2014 in a variety of settings including daycares, preschools, elementary schools, private practice, and pediatric home health.
She founded Rooted in Routine in 2019 to help parents learn simple, easy to implement routines for optimal child development at every age.
Her approach is largely rooted in going back to the basics to help you establish solid, age-appropriate routines for your child for things like mealtimes, play, potty, and sleep.
She believes this is the most important foundation you can provide for your child - and she wants to help you do just that!
Intro to Sensory Processing Disorder Training
Jessica’s Instagram @rootedinroutine
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone—but for many parents and professionals, it can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Pediatric occupational therapist Jessica from Rooted in Routine explores how to approach potty training with clarity and confidence—especially when supporting sensory-sensitive or neurodivergent children.
One of the biggest takeaways from Jessica:a routine is not a strict schedule.
“The time on the clock is the least important part. What matters is the consistent order and structure of events,” Jessica explains.
Routines give children predictability, which supports self-regulation, transitions, and independence. For example:
Wake up → Sit on the potty → Brush teeth → Get dressed
After meals → Offer potty time
Before bath → Sit on the potty for a quick try
Rather than watching the clock, focus on repeating these steps in the same sequence each day to build comfort and familiarity.
Children with sensory processing differences may experience toileting in unique ways. Here are OT-backed strategies to ease the process:
Use a footstool or potty seat to give the child stability and comfort.
Ensure their knees are above their hips to mimic the optimal squatting position for bowel movements.
Prepare children for toilet flushing sounds, especially in echoey or public restrooms.
Use noise-reducing headphones if needed.
Give verbal cues like, “The toilet is going to flush—it’s loud but safe.”
Children with interoceptive challenges may not recognize the body cues for urination or bowel movements.
Help build awareness with:
Books and visuals that explain what’s happening inside the body.
Phrases like “tingly belly” to label sensations.
Incorporating vestibular input (like swinging) which can improve internal body awareness.
Potty training success doesn’t depend on age—it depends ondevelopmental readiness.
Awareness of wet or dirty diapers.
Communicating when they are going or have gone.
Staying dry for 1-2 hours at a time.
Following simple directions (e.g., “Pull down your pants”).
Showing interest in the potty or others using it.
OT Tip: Jessica offers a free toilet readiness checklist on her website at Rooted in Routine—perfect for parents or therapists starting the process.
Jessica emphasizes a low-to-no-pressure approach to potty training. Avoid making it a power struggle.
DO:
Embed potty time into your routine (e.g., “It’s morning, time to sit on the potty.”)
Use simple, encouraging phrases: “Let’s go sit together.”
Keep potty sits short and child-led—a few seconds is a win.
DON’T:
Force long sitting times.
Use bribes (like candy) from the beginning—they can lose effectiveness quickly.
Shame or punishment for accidents.
“Sometimes, the best thing to do is take a break,” Jessica says. “Step back, reduce pressure, and try again when your child shows readiness.”
Withholding poop is incredibly common—and often stems from previous pain or fear. Jessica recommends:
Consulting a pediatrician to rule out constipation.
Offering stool softeners temporarily if advised.
Reading books that explain the digestive process (e.g.,From Chewing to Pooing).
Practicing with diaper-to-toilet transitions, like dumping the poop from the diaper into the toilet together.
Children with autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental conditions may need:
Visual supports (first-then boards, visual schedules).
Alternative communication methods (signs, AAC).
Extended timelines—remember, potty training is developmental.
And above all—flexibility is key.
Most kids develop independent wiping between the ages 4–6, especially after bowel movements.
Support their skills by:
Practicing trunk rotation with therapy ball activities.
Teaching proper toilet paper folding and use.
Breaking it down into manageable steps.
“It’s a high-level coordination skill,” says Jessica. “Practice it outside of toilet time in a no-pressure way.”
Jessica closed the conversation with a powerful reminder:
“Don’t get caught up in making everything fancy. Your child’s day doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. The basics—eating, sleeping, pooping, playing—are the foundation of healthy development.”
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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