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Autism and Bedwetting
A Guide for Parents
By Heather V. Long
Most infants and young children are very social creatures who need and want contact with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle, laugh and respond eagerly to games like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek. Occasionally, however, a child does not interact in this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his own world, a place characterized by repetitive routines, odd behaviors, problems in communication and a lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are characteristics of a developmental disorder called autism.
Bedwetting is one of many issues autistic children face. In comparison, it is likely a less important problem, but a problem nonetheless. "Autistic children, in general, have trouble with bedwetting, because they have difficulty in toilet training," says Dr. Cynthia R. Johnson, director of the Autism Center at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Why do autistic children have trouble learning to use the toilet? "A number of factors are involved," says Dr. Johnson. "For one, autistic children are not good at imitation, which makes the process of potty training more difficult and that is only for the daytime training."
They are also hypotonic, says Dr. Johnson, which is a condition that includes a lax form of muscle control as well as a failure to respond or recognize stimuli such as the need to urinate. In some children, they do not even feel the wetness of the bed, which can complicate the training methods to help children overcome nighttime bedwetting. "They are not well regulated overall and need to learn these things," she says.
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
