As a parent of a child that falls on the autism spectrum, you're already facing some unique challenges related to social interaction, sensory issues, behavior, and more. Additionally, children with autism are more likely to experience incontinence that lasts well past potty-training age, making everything a bit messier, figuratively and literally. However, there are a few simple ways to manage the added stress while keeping your child comfortable, dry, and sanitary.
Incontinence is simply the involuntary control of urinary loss or defecation. Children may experience leaks, accidentally void the bladder, wet the bed, and more.
When it comes to autism and incontinence, children may have learning disabilities that delay toilet training, physical disabilities that prevent them from reaching the toilet in time, or the inability to communicate the need to go.
In some cases, incontinence can be treated and children are able to potty train successfully. But in other cases, the symptoms can only be managed. Your child may have a few sensory issues to overcome in the bathroom or a physical disability that prevents bladder control.
That’s why it’s crucial to work with your child’s pediatrician to determine the cause and to put a treatment plan together for your child’s individual needs.
Stressors With Incontinence
Incontinence isn’t really discussed very often due to the stigma attached. It’s embarrassing to have accidents. Not only do children want to avoid letting others know, but so do the parents. This often leads to anxiety and an attempt to hide the issue instead of seeking help and learning proper management techniques.
For example, if you explain your child’s condition to their teachers, they’ll be prepared and able to help during the school day by:
- Reminding your child to take bathroom breaks - Allowing your child to go to the restroom when needed - Letting your child sit near the restroom - Developing private code words for needing to use the restroom or accidents - Assisting with cleanups and changing if an accident occurs - Helping keep the condition under wraps
Another stressor with incontinence includes becoming depressed and withdrawn. Your child may not want to participate in social activities such as field trips and sleepovers.
However, with the proper incontinence supplies, your child can confidently maintain their normal routine. It’s important for items to be comfortable, odor-proof, and leak-proof. It’s also helpful for the items to be discreet by looking like regular underwear and easy for the child to pull on and remove on their own.
The cost of high-quality incontinence products to stop leaks and prevent odors can be prohibitively high, especially for families on a budget. The cost of pull-ups, wet wipes, chux, and more can quickly add up, causing financial stress on the family.
But your child may qualify to receive incontinence supplies through insurance. Medicaid often covers a certain amount of products on a monthly basis as incontinence items are classified as a medical necessity.
The process of receiving items is fairly easy, just remember that you will be required to receive your items through a durable medical equipment (DME) provider. With a reputable supplier, you’ll apply online, a rep with contact you with the best options suited for your child's individual needs, and they’ll submit all of the necessary paperwork to have incontinence supplies shipped to your home every month.
Another frustrating part of incontinence includes the amount of time involved with toilet training. Getting your child out of diapers or teaching them to help manage their own symptoms takes daily attention. Figuring out the sensory issues that trigger avoidance, such as seeing their reflection or the loud flush of the toilet, setting up a reward system for accident-free days, figuring out what food/drinks contribute to accidents... it’s a lot of hands-on work.
But working with your child to solve these issues is the only way to reduce symptoms and boost confidence. Remember to avoid reacting to accidents with visible stress and anger. This could make symptoms worse.
Just like the other daily challenges you face with your child’s autism, remember to be positive and supportive. Motivate your child to work towards a better tomorrow. With patience and persistence, incontinence won’t derail your child’s normal routine.
*This is a contributed post and therefore may not necessarily represent the views or opinions of this blog or its author.*
