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Autism and Bedwetting
A Guide for Parents
By Heather V. Long
According to Dr. Johnson, behavioral-based methods are best for children with autism. "It needs to be structured more toward the child and his or her individual needs," she says. "There are a lot of books on this type of training available. It requires a lot more effort and demands on the time of the parent. Once the child masters daytime control, the next step is nighttime control."
Teresa tried a number of methods to help her son with his bedwetting. "My son was using the potty pretty well during the day for several months before finally getting the hang of it at night," she says. "During that time, he would occasionally wet his bed. We tried several things, including reducing the amount of fluids he drinks before bedtime, putting a pad between his sheets and the mattress (so the mattress would not get soaked) and using disposable underpants for bedtime. We also talked with him a lot about how if he feels the need, he is to get up and use the toilet. "
Using disposable absorbent underpants can be a good solution for kids to help them feel dry at night while they're still developing control. And it saves wear and tear on parents, who may be changing and washing the sheets and pajamas every night.
Brohart found limiting fluids before bedtime helped her son, who has recently shown improvement. "I try not to give him too much to drink before bed," she says. "There have been a few nights recently when he awoke 'dry,' so I'm hoping by the end of summer the potty training will be a non-issue for us. If it continues to be, however, then all I can do is be understanding."
Want to see more?
- Autism: Understanding the Disorder
- Beneath the Surface: Understanding Autism
- Pervasive Development Disorder: What Parents Need to Know
- How can I help my autistic child with his bedwetting?
- Beating Bedwetting: Stories of Special Needs Children With Enuresis
- Misinformed: Getting the Facts Straight About Bedwetting in Special Needs Kids
- Bedwetting and Special Needs Kids
