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When Bedwetting Doesn't Go Away
Special Needs Teens and Enuresis
By Teri Brown
The goals of most young people during the teen years include doing well on the next math exam, scoring an after-school job, getting their driver's license or going to the winter formal. The goals for teens with physical and/or mental disabilities or special needs are far different, but no less important. They may be working toward reading, riding public transportation, counting change or getting along in a group. And many are still working on keeping their bed dry at night.
Dealing with the problem of wetting the bed, or nocturnal enuresis, for the special needs teen may be more difficult than it is for their counterpart without special needs.
Maria Wheeler, educator and author of the book, Toilet Training for Individuals With Autism and Related Disorders, believes that preserving the young person's self-esteem is key. "As a child becomes older, toilet-training problems can significantly interfere with self-esteem, acceptance and social success," Wheeler says.
Wheeler is passionate in her efforts to guide families, educators, therapists, medical professionals and caretakers in teaching techniques that treat special needs children, adolescents and adults with dignity and respect.
The causes of nocturnal enuresis in special needs adolescents cross the spectrum of both physical and mental disorders. Autism, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), Asperger's syndrome and various physical conditions such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy may influence physical awareness or bladder/bowel control. Teens who have various emotional disorders may be challenged by issues related to toilet training due to unusual fears, excessive anxiety or excessive fear.
Want to see more?
- Beating Bedwetting: Stories of Special Needs Children With Enuresis
- Dry Days Ahead Helping Special Needs Children Learn to Use the Toilet
- Bedwetting and Special Needs Kids
- Absorbent Undergarments and Special Needs Children
- Words That Heal: Incontinence Solutions for Special Needs Kids
- Bedwetting and Summer Camp: Does Your Special Needs Child Have to Miss Out on All the Fun?
- Under Special Circumstances: Sleep Disorders and Bedwetting in Special Needs Children
