Bedwetting is a common challenge among children with autism, and far more common than most parents or guardians realize. But changing wet sheets at 2 AM doesn’t mean that you or your child are doing anything wrong.
Autism can make going through the night without potty accidents take longer, and there are a few key reasons why children with autism wet the bed more than other kids.
Here are some tips for how to approach bedwetting with grace and patience, and how the right overnight protection can help everyone in your home sleep a little better.
Is Bedwetting Normal for Children with Autism?
Bedwetting is quite normal for children with autism, and many parents or guardians are surprised at just how common it can be, even into later adolescence.
Bedwetting (also referred to as nocturnal enuresis) is a very normal part of childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that nearly 1 in 4 children still wet their beds at age 5. Most children will outgrow the behavior on their own with support and experience.
However, the bedwetting trend tends to happen more frequently and last longer for children with autism.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology found that around 30% of children diagnosed with autism experienced bedwetting. Researchers have confirmed that pattern over and again: autistic children often reach take longer to fully potty train on a different timeline than their peers.
It’s important to note that a different timeline doesn’t mean a stalled one. And that can make all the difference when approaching bedwetting and how you help children move through what can often be a difficult season of life.
Why Does Potty Training Take Longer with Autism?
While there have been many studies about potty training trends and autism, there’s no single cause for why these children often have a different experience.
Research has found that there are a few different issues that can lead to bedwetting, particularly for children diagnosed with autism:
- Sensory differences: Many children with autism process sensory signals differently. For instance, the feeling of a full bladder (particularly during sleep) may not register the same way it does for other kids.
- Sleep differences: Children with autism can often face sleep difficulties. A child who finally falls into a deep sleep may be hard to rouse, even if their body is telling them it’s time to get up and go to the bathroom.
- Different developmental schedules: Autistic children may reach milestones like daytime and nighttime bladder control much later than their peers.
- Routine and communication: Any changes in routine or exposure to new environments can increase the frequency of nighttime accidents. Children with autism may struggle to communicate their need for support when their routines change.
Bedwetting is also common in children with ADHD. Many of these kids are fully potty trained during the day but may still need overnight protection past the age at which it’s typically outgrown. Combined factors like deep sleep and a later-maturing bladder-signaling system can make it much harder for them to wake up in time.
It’s important to remember that none of these are behavior problems, and as such, are unlikely to respond to punishment or pressure to change. Instead, plenty of patience and the right support are the best way to help a child with autism navigate bedwetting.
When Should You Talk to Your Child’s Doctor About Bedwetting?
It’s common to want guidance from a doctor for bedwetting, especially for children with autism. While most bedwetting doesn’t require treatment, there are some signs that a conversation with your pediatrician may help:
- Your child is 5 or older and consistently wets the bed two to three times a week.
- They are having accidents both during the day and at night.
- The child was dry for six months or longer, and is now starting to wet the bed again.
- When they use the bathroom, they complain of pain or burning sensations.
Your child’s doctor can rule out any medical issues. But just as important, they can document that overnight protection for bedwetting is medically necessary. Having that documentation is key to unlocking insurance coverage.
How Overnight Protection Can Help with Bedwetting
A key help in the fight against bedwetting is overnight protection, such as overnight diapers and pull-ups. These are designed to absorb more liquid than daytime products, which can result in fewer middle-of-the-night sheet changes and better sleep for you and your child.
For older kids and teens wetting the bed, fit can matter just as much as absorbency. UroStat offers youth and teen sizes designed for bigger bodies, so children don’t have to force-fit uncomfortable products.
Can You Get Free Diapers and Pull-Ups Through Medicaid?
Many families don’t realize that Medicaid may cover overnight diapers and pull-ups at little to no cost with a qualifying diagnosis such as autism or ADHD. UroStat covers the process from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about complicated calls and paperwork.
We work with you to verify your child’s coverage and work with your doctor to gather the required documentation needed to set up monthly home deliveries. While you focus on helping your child thrive, we’ll handle the details.
Get Support for Bedwetting with UroStat
Daily wet sheets don’t have to be the norm for your family. If you want to learn more about the options and support available for bedwetting and autism, contact UroStat today at 888-845-8698.
You can also check your eligibility online to see if your child may qualify for free overnight protection through Medicaid.