Potty trained?

I am often asked if my daughter is potty trained. Even though she is 8, this is a valid question since many children on the Autism Spectrum struggle with potty training for years. It is a difficult question to answer. I know she understands the concept and is aware of her body so she knows when she has to go. She has gone without "accidents" for weeks and weeks at a time before. But generally, now, she is potty trained at school (about 80% of the time) and hardly at all at home. And this can change daily.

Like many ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) kids, she regresses when there is a lot of stress or change. When we moved to a new house, for example, it was weeks before she would use the potty at the new house.

Also, I believe that in my daughter's case it is a way for her to express herself since she cannot speak. And for the most part, she reserves this particular "language" for me :)

Which brings me to today, like many, many other days. When she is upset with me and/or wants my attention she poops somewhere. Anywhere but the potty and most anywhere I will particularly get upset about. Such as my scrapbooking supplies. Or the middle of my bed. Among books on the floor in my room. Sounds a bit like a puppy, right? Well, I don't think that is too far off. Animals who don't know how else to express themselves find a way, SOME way to tell you what they think. Now, please, nobody freak out that I am mentioning my daughter and a puppy in the same sentence. But for those of you who don't have this experience, I am trying to share as accurately as I can. There is never a dull day!