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When Bedwetting Doesn't Go Away
Special Needs Teens and Enuresis
By Teri Brown
Being sensitive to your teen's feelings is crucial for their sense of self-concept and their confidence in eventually controlling this behavior. "We must be very sensitive to, and understanding of, the degree of embarrassment and anxiety associated with bedwetting issues," says Wheeler. "The more anxiety, pressure or embarrassment that surrounds the issue of bedwetting, the greater the risk of continued bedwetting and possible psychological harm."
Wheeler suggests that in addition to providing the supports your teen needs to awaken at night and access the toilet, be sure to minimize related embarrassment by providing whatever your teen needs to be clean and by removing any soiled linens and clothing as privately and discretely as possible. "Avoid scolding or discussing your teen's toileting issues in front of others, including family members," she says.
One of the most sensitive issues that arises concerning a teen's inability to control their bladder at night is social. Teens with special needs have social needs as well, and meeting those needs with sensitivity and understanding takes some thoughtful consideration.
"Many special needs teens who have bedwetting concerns find using [absorbent underpants] under their bed clothing a discrete approach for avoiding embarrassing bedwetting accidents when spending the night with friends," says Wheeler. "One girl who had a bedwetting problem brought her sleeping bag to sleepovers, keeping her protective underwear in the sleeping bag, and discretely put the protective underwear under her bedclothes after her friends went to bed."
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
