Can children with autism manage their bowel and bladder functions independently?
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Whether children with autism can manage toileting independently depends on the severity of their symptoms. If the symptoms are mild and psychological interventions are initiated under the guidance of a professional psychologist soon after diagnosis, leading to symptom improvement, these children are usually able to manage toileting independently. However, if the child's symptoms are severe and parents fail to provide timely treatment, the condition may worsen, potentially resulting in an inability to manage toileting independently.
Whether children with autism can manage toileting independently generally depends on the severity of their symptoms. If symptoms are mild, they usually can manage on their own; if severe, they typically cannot. A detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Can manage independently
If a child's autistic symptoms are relatively mild and active, effective treatment has been initiated soon after diagnosis, or psychological interventions have been conducted under the guidance of a professional psychologist—leading to some degree of symptom improvement—the child is usually able to manage toileting independently.
II. Cannot manage independently
If a child’s symptoms are severe at onset, with complete immersion in their own world, avoiding communication and even eye contact with others, and if parents fail to recognize the seriousness or delay timely treatment, symptoms may worsen further, potentially resulting in an inability to manage toileting independently.
Regular observation of the child’s behavior and providing appropriate guidance can help alleviate symptoms.
