Looking for some opinions on toilet training

[monkeys]

Like I said he is disengaged from the whole thing. I have picture cues but he doesn't use them. He does talk and quite a lot sometimes, just verbalizing his needs is an obstacle sometimes although there has been definite improvement there. I have potties so I don't need to leave the room fortunately. If I try to engage him in anything specific he struggles to stay fixed in me or the subject. I've tried giving him something to manipulate and that doesn't seem to help. He can make eye contact, but it is short lived and when I ask him something, his response will often be non related.

The pictures if used regularly, can help him. They give him a concrete means as to what is being asked and potentially what he is asking for. Words are not concrete and as soon as we have finished saying them they are gone, the picture would still be there.

His talking even if it is off topic is his way of communticating with everyone, it sounds like he understands that if asked a question he needs to answer. But, his thoughts become jumbled with his thoughts or possibly a question that was asked earlier.

Initially, it would be you giving him the picture and telling him its time to use the potty. It may take a while, but it gives him another tool to use to clearly express his needs.

Using a combination of the ideas given by all, will help. A pull up over underwear, waterproof pants, heavier underwear, putting the toys away to be cleaned if there is an accident, set potty times (I use transitions to new activity times, school run, meals, outside play, etc.,) and pictures, are all great ideas. Toilet training is hard for some children, they need more time and effort one our end to help with their success.

I wish you luck, this sound like a tough one.