Toilet Training and Neurodivergence
July 23, 2025
Potty Training Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Toilet training is a significant milestone for children and their families. However, for neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, this journey can present unique challenges.
Understanding the Challenges
Neurodivergent children may face several obstacles during toilet training:
- Sensory Sensitivities: Discomfort with the feel of toilet paper, coldness , the sound of flushing or poo/ wee hitting the water, or the brightness of bathroom lighting.
- Communication Differences: Challenges in expressing the need to use the toilet or recognising bodily cues can lead to accidents
- Routine Resistance: A preference for sameness and resistance to change can make adapting to new routines difficult.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like constipation or diarrhea can complicate the process and cause discomfort and withholding.
Strategies for Success
Implementing tailored strategies can make toilet training more manageable:
- Visual Schedules: Use clear, step-by-step visual aids or routine boards to outline the toileting process, helping children understand expectations
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small successes with praise or rewards to encourage continued progress. Instead of giving a reward each time a step is completed, agree on a certain number of ticks or stickers needed to get the reward. Rewards can be toys, food, family time or praise; make it meaningful for your child!
- Sensory-Friendly Environments: Modify the bathroom setting to reduce sensory overload, such as using soft lighting, noise-cancelling headphones or a heater.
- Consistent Routines: Establish regular toileting times to build predictability and reduce anxiety.
- Professional Support: Engage with specialists, such as pelvic health physiotherapists, to address specific concerns and help you along this journey.
You're Not Alone
Remember, every child's journey is unique, and progress may be gradual. Patience, understanding, and tailored support are key to navigating the challenges of toilet training. If you need assistance or have concerns about your child's toileting journey so far, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards a positive and successful toileting experience.
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Understanding Menopause: How a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Can Help You Thrive Through the Change At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we know that menopause isn't just a stage of life—it’s a deeply personal transition that can impact your body, confidence, and quality of life in ways you may not expect. As pelvic health physiotherapists, we’re here to support and empower you with respectful, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. What Is Menopause and Perimenopause? Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle, officially diagnosed when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. The years leading up to this, known as perimenopause, are when many of the most noticeable symptoms begin normally from 40 years old During this time, fluctuating hormone levels—particularly a drop in oestrogen—can lead to a range of physical and emotional changes. Some are widely known, others less talked about, but all are valid and worthy of care. Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause Increased blood loss during periods Weight gain and bloating - especially new weight deposits around the stomach Low libido or sexual discomfort - our vagina shrinks both in length and width Bladder urgency, frequency, or leakage Vaginal dryness or pelvic discomfort - use silicon based lubes as water based just absorb in too easily Pelvic organ prolapse or heaviness Hot flushes and night sweats Mood swings, anxiety, and low mood Fatigue and disrupted sleep - waking for a few hours in middle of night then exhausted in morning Brain fog and memory changes These symptoms can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone—and you don’t need to suffer through them in silence. How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Support You At Pelvic Health Melbourne, our experienced physiotherapists work with you holistically to address the physical changes of menopause that affect your pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, and sexual health. Here’s how we can help: 1. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation We assess and treat pelvic floor muscle weakness, overactivity, or incoordination. This helps reduce urinary urgency, incontinence, heaviness, and discomfort. 2. Bladder & Bowel Retraining Menopause can alter bladder sensitivity and bowel regularity. We provide personalised strategies to restore control and confidence. 3. Sexual Wellness Support Painful intimacy or decreased sensation are common but treatable. We use gentle, respectful approaches including pelvic floor therapy, education, and support for vaginal tissue health including discussions about topical oestrogen therapy, vaginal dilation (if required), vibrators to assist blood supply and appropriate lubrication for stage of life. 4. Movement & Strength Programs Specific exercise program for you respecting non restorative sleep, need for more stretch and cardio allowing for adequate body recovery. 5. Education & Empowerment We take the time to explain what’s happening in your body, and why, so you feel more in control. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing. Why Choose Pelvic Health Melbourne? At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we do more than treat symptoms—we care for the whole person. We offer: Longer, unrushed appointments Private, purpose-designed rooms Highly skilled and specialised clinicians An inclusive space and point of mond Care that respects your lived experience We believe every woman deserves dignity, support, and solutions—not dismissal or shame. Take the Next Step If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling unsure where to turn, we invite you to start with us. Whether you’ve just started noticing changes or have been putting up with symptoms for years, now is the right time to seek support. Book an appointment with one of our experienced pelvic health physiotherapists today. Let’s work together to help you feel strong, supported, and at home in your body again.
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Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, particularly for men over 50, arising when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia , with over 26,000 cases in 2024 and a lifetime risk of 1 in 6 by age 85 . Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but advanced cases may involve urinary frequency, pain during urination, blood in urine/semen, or bone pain. Risk factors include age, family history (especially BRCA gene mutations), and elevated testosterone levels. How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed? There’s no single test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis usually involves: PSA Blood Test: Measures a protein made by the prostate. High PSA can mean cancer, but also other prostate issues. PSA testing can help catch cancer early, but it’s not perfect-sometimes it leads to unnecessary worry or treatment. Talk to your GP about the pros and cons for you. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) : Your doctor feels the prostate for lumps. This is quick and safe, but not always needed-especially if your PSA is normal. Imaging & Biopsy: If cancer is suspected, scans and a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) confirm the diagnosis. Your Role in Care Decisions A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we encourage you to: Ask questions and take notes. Bring a support person to appointments. Discuss all your options. Your treatment will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and what matters most to you. Options may include: Active surveillance (monitoring the cancer closely) Surgery to remove the prostate Radiation therapy Hormone therapy Chemotherapy or participation in clinical trials Take your time. Most prostate cancers grow slowly. You usually have time to consider, seek a second opinion, and decide what’s right for you. Access support . Emotional and practical support-through family, friends, counsellors, or support groups-can make a big difference. The Importance of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is a key part of prostate cancer care-before and after treatment . Our team at Pelvic Health Melbourne works closely with you and your doctors and specialists to help you achieve the best possible recovery. Goals of Physiotherapy in Prostate Cancer Care Restore and Maintain Bladder Control: Regain continence and reduce urinary leakage with targeted pelvic floor muscle training and education. Enhance Pelvic Floor and Sexual Function: Strengthen and retrain pelvic floor muscles to support continence and sexual health, especially after surgery. Reduce and Manage Pain: Ease pelvic or post-surgical pain with evidence-based techniques. Support Physical Recovery: Improve strength, flexibility, and stamina to help you return to daily life. Promote Safe, Effective Exercise: Tailored activity helps manage fatigue and maintain muscle and bone health. Educate and Empower: Learn correct pelvic floor activation, self-management strategies, and lifestyle tips to support your recovery. Support Emotional Well-being: Address psychological impacts and help you return to the activities you value. Prevent and Manage Complications: Reduce risks like falls or bone loss, especially if you’re on hormone therapy. Coordinate Care: We work with your broader medical team and refer to other specialists as needed. What Can You Expect from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy? Faster recovery of bladder control and reduced urinary leakage Improved pelvic floor strength and function, supporting continence and sexual health Reduced pelvic pain and discomfort Better understanding of your body and how to manage symptoms Support in returning to daily activities, work, and exercise Improved confidence and quality of life Early referral to physiotherapy-ideally before surgery-can maximize your recovery. Research shows up to 94% of men regain bladder control within three to six months after prostate surgery with physiotherapy support. At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we’re here to help you take an active role in your prostate cancer journey. If you have questions about pelvic health, continence, or recovery, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us today.
