Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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/ Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism and accidents

MommaKate
MommaKate

Hi everyone, I have 2 wonderful boys 7 & 10, they both are ADHD and my oldest also high functioning autism. They both wet the bed at night which I know is fairly common with adhd but what is really bothering me is my oldest has recently really struggling with day time accidents. He has been checked out by the pediatrician and all is good. The last week we have really been working hard on remembering to go and taking frequent breaks from play to go “try” we have also instituted a reward chart for going when on the potty. So far it doesn’t seem to help. Seems everyone is just stressed out now. Several people have said to just forget about it for a few days to let the stress go away. They are in diapers at night for the bed wetting and due to all the day time accidents I have had him in pull ups during the day. But this all has me really flustered. Seems crazy to have my 10 is diapers during the day.  Has anyone else been thu this? 10 seem to be way to old to be having these issues. Please I’m all ears to any suggestions. 

Beryl367
Beryl367
Sorry, I haven't been exactly there. Mine wasn't daytime trained 'til he was a lot older. But I wonder if there was some kind of change that closely or loosely coincided with the onset of your 10 year old's day time accidents? Or an impending change or challenge that he's aware is coming. HFA can play a role, but I'd be wondering if this is related to a change in the way his autism is manifesting (not sure why that would happen) or if it is a reaction (emo/psych) to something else. Could he be worried about something, like school starting again soon or something else? (If this is a reaction to something he feels he can't or won't be able to handle it would be an unconscious reaction / connection). Even if it's something like that I'm not sure the solution would be talking to him about the event and allaying his fears - though that couldn't hurt.

People all develop differently, but losing skills, regression, is concerning.
How are you responding to the accidents? Have they increased since you've been responding that way, or have they decreased?

What does your son say about the accidents? Does he say he forgot, or didn't realize he needed to go? Or, something else?

The person who is telling you to let the stress dissipate is right. Reducing the stress may not solve the problem, but it will help.

I hope any of this helps, but for sure know that this is probably just a temporary setback and once you get through it he'll be back to whatever was normal for him.

Best wishes and blessings
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