Coming September 2026: Flush Forward! A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Young People
You can pre-order the book here on Waterstones or Amazon
I’m delighted to be sharing my book, Flush Forward! A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents Supporting Disabled and Neurodivergent Young People, publishing on 21 September 2026 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Toileting differences and withholding are common in young people, but parents and carers of neurodivergent or disabled children often find that the standard advice doesn’t apply. If you feel out of your depth and aren’t sure what to do next, you are not alone.
Flush Forward! was written to change that.
This practical, compassionate guide brings together current evidence, professional knowledge, and an understanding of the real-life experiences of families. Rather than focusing on one-size-fits-all approaches, the book recognises that every young person is different and that toileting support begins with understanding the individual.
Inside the book, you’ll explore:
The many factors that influence toileting, including communication, sensory processing, motor differences, interoception, emotional wellbeing, and co-occurring medical conditions.
Practical, accessible strategies that can be adapted to meet your young person’s support needs.
How to work collaboratively with schools, healthcare professionals, and other people involved in your child’s care.
Ways to reduce stress, build confidence, and create positive toileting experiences for the whole family.
Designed specifically for parents and carers, the book presents information in an easy-to-follow format with practical examples and actionable ideas that you can put into practice. It will also be a valuable resource for educators, therapists, healthcare professionals, and anyone supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and young people.
Flush Forward! aims to provide reassurance, practical guidance, and acknowledges all of the work that you are doing to support your young person.
You can pre-order the book here on Waterstones or Amazon
Press Reviews
Teodora Byrne, NDwise Hub Consulting
“Comprehensive yet remarkably accessible, this is the definitive toileting guide for parents of disabled and neurodivergent young people. Laura’s unique blend of knowledge and heart helps reframe the toileting journey, turning a challenging topic into a manageable, practical process. It’s the supportive, steady guidance every family needs.”
Natalie Raven Morris, Founder of The Feeding Trust charity
Flush Forward! mirrors the foundational neuro-affirming philosophy held by The Feeding Trust. By prioritising nervous system safety and child autonomy, Laura reframes toileting and bodily functions as developmental skills rather than compliance-based tasks.
Emma Dalmayne, CEO of Autistic Inclusive Meets
This book is an essential staple in any parent/carer library. Laura’s clear step-by-step guides and explanations make it a pleasure to read. Toileting is such a complex thing for a child to go through, made further complicated if there are introceptive issues at play. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you for being here,
Laura Hellfeld
RN, MSN, PHN, CNL
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalised support and care tailored to your specific needs.