Reality TV personalities Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey have come under fire for mocking children who aren't fully potty-trained by the time they start school. During a recent episode of their podcast *He Said, She Said*, the couple laughed about statistics showing that one in four children begin reception class still wearing nappies, calling it a 'raw deal' for teachers. Their comments have since drawn widespread criticism, particularly from parents of neurodivergent children.

The 26% statistic that sparked outrage

Thompson and Libbey's remarks were based on a survey by the charity Kindred Squared, which found that 26% of reception-class children experience frequent toilet mishaps. According to the report cited by the couple, this figure rises to 36% in the north-east of England.. The couple argued that parents should ensure their children are toilet-trained by age four, calling it a 'basic human right.' However, their laughter and dismissive tone have been widely condemned as insensitive.

Neurodiversity advocates call for empathy

Special Educational Needs (SEN) advocacy accounts, such as *autismandourworld*, were among the first to criticize the couple's comments. The Instagram account highlighted that Louise’s brother, Sam Thompson, has ADHD and Autism, suggesting she should have more empathy. Many parents of neurodivergent children pointed out that developmental delays, neurodivergence, or socio-economic factors can contribute to potty-training challenges, making parent-blame inappropriate.

Reality TV star Lateysha Grace joins the backlash

Reality TV star Lateysha Grace condemned the remarks, stating that families carrying emotional burdens deserved understanding rather than judgment. She wrote on social media, 'Words matter.. the way we speak about people matters.' Grace's comments echoed the sentiments of many parents who found the couple's laughter about children struggling to be hurtful and tone-deaf, particularly given Louise’s own health struggles, including complications from Crohn’s disease.

Expert insights: Why potty-training delays happen

Experts have noted that potty-training delays can stem from various factors,including developmental issues, neurodivergence, or socio-economic factors. according to the Kindred Squared survey, these challenges are more prevalent in certain regions, such as the north-east of England, where 36% of reception-class children experience frequent toilet mishaps.. The couple's comments have been criticized for ignoring these complexities and instead blaming parents.