Summary. In conclusion, while there is no clear answer to whether or not autism causes bedwetting, it is clear that the two are often linked. Children with autism are more likely to experience bedwetting than their neurotypical peers, and there are several factors that may contribute to this.
Nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting) is one of many issues Aspergers (AS) and High-Functioning Autistic (HFA) kids face. In comparison, it is likely a less important problem, but a problem nonetheless. Many of these young people have trouble with nocturnal enuresis, because they have difficulty in toilet training.
Yet, children with autism and ADHD tend to struggle with bedwetting for longer periods of time than their neurotypical peers. This can cause frustration, angst and embarrassment for our children.
In some cases, individuals with autism may experience urge incontinence, where they don't realize the need to urinate until they feel a sudden, unexpected urge, and the bladder contracts when it shouldn't.
Generally, bed-wetting before age 7 isn't a concern. At this age, your child may still be developing nighttime bladder control. If bed-wetting continues, treat the problem with patience and understanding. Lifestyle changes, bladder training, moisture alarms and sometimes medication may help reduce bed-wetting.
It's actually a fairly common problem for kids with ADHD. They're about three times as likely to have bedwetting trouble than other kids. It's not totally clear why. Some researchers think it's because bedwetting and ADHD are both linked to a delay in the development of the central nervous system.
Some children have small bladders or don't produce enough of a hormone (vasopressin) that reduces urine production during sleep. Bedwetting can be triggered by stress and by changes in the family, even positive ones, like a new baby or a different bedtime schedule over vacation.
The average age in which a child is successfully toileting was 3.3 years of age for children with autism in comparison to 2.5 years of age for children with other developmental disabilities (Williams, Oliver, Allard, & Sears, 2003).
Conclusion: Autism spectrum disorder is an incapacitating disorder with significant impairment in social functioning. In most cases, psychological symptoms and disorders co-occur. Additionally, children with ASD are at a greater risk of being affected by different forms of incontinence and LUTS.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
Autistic children sometimes have more restless sleep than other children. In particular, they might be prone to body-rocking, head-rolling and head-banging. Although quite common, restless sleep can also be a sign of some less common sleep disorders.
“High-functioning autism” isn't an official medical term or diagnosis. It's an informal one some people use when they talk about people with autism spectrum disorder , or ASD, who can speak, read, write, and handle basic life skills like eating and getting dressed. They can live independently.
Children with more severe ADHD may experience more wet nights. ADHD is linked to central nervous system delays which can cause children with ADHD to have a delay in detecting their bladder signals as well as having decreased arousal to signals of a full bladder.
Medical reasons such as having a urinary tract infection (UTI), constipation, or differences in the way the body is built or functions – like a small bladder or making too much urine – could be the cause. In addition, Type 1 Diabetes can also first show up as bedwetting along with increased thirst and urination.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other special needs, however, may have a more difficult time developing healthy hygiene habits because they lack the necessary skills and/or are sensitive to the stimuli associated with these tasks.
Although bedwetting sometimes occurs if your child is feeling emotional stress or insecurity, it isn't usually a behavioral issue. Instead, there is more evidence suggesting that enuresis is the result of a developmental delay in the normal process of achieving nighttime control.
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate bedwetting and you can also damage your child's confidence. Punishing your child: children aren't to blame for bedwetting, so there is no point in punishing them. It will only make your child feel worse.
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.
The study brings hope to those parents who worry that children who are not talking by age 4 or 5 are unlikely to develop speech at all. Some children with ASD develop meaningful language after age 5. "There is a burst of kids in the 6- to 7- age range who do get language," Dr. Wodka said.
Many children with autism take longer than is typical to learn how to use the toilet. This delay can stem from a variety of reasons. Many children with autism have a general developmental delay. That is, they simply learn new skills more slowly than other children do.
It isn't uncommon for some people to wet the bed well into the teen years. Genetics, health conditions, psychological turmoil, and daily sleep and dietary patterns can all be factors. Your teen is likely to outgrow the problem in time. In the meanwhile, small changes to daily routines could make a difference.
Conclusion. While it is understandable that some parents choose to wake their child up to wee, and it does work for some families, it is particularly important to consider that in the long term, it doesn't usually train the child to stay dry and it might prolong bedwetting.