One in 50 children is born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making up the 1.3 million people with ASD in France, according to Vaincre l’Austisme.

Up to 24.3% of children with a confirmed ASD diagnosis also have some type of incontinence [1].

So let’s talk about it. We’ll delve into each condition, and importantly, the link between the two. The more you know, the better equipped you are to help your child through both ASD and incontinence.

Does autism cause incontinence?

Many kids with autism experience incontinence, but not all. Some kids may wet the bed at night, and others might have accidents during the day.

There are a few reasons why kids with autism might have trouble with bladder and bowel control.

Sensory issues

Kids with autism can be very sensitive to things like lights, sounds, and textures. The feeling of a cold toilet seat or the loud flush can be scary or uncomfortable for them. This can make potty training harder.

Communication challenges

It can be harder for kids with autism to understand social cues. They might not always tell you when they need to go to the bathroom, or they might not fully grasp when you're trying to teach them toilet training.

Body awareness

Children with ASD may not recognise the urge to go to the toilet until it’s too late. Knowing that the bowel or bladder is full is called interoceptive awareness.

This is a process where the organs’ receptors send messages to the brain for bodily functions, like emptying the bladder and bowel.

Kids with ASD might not always know when they need to use the bathroom. This can lead to accidents, like wetting the bed or pants. They might also hold it in, which can lead to constipation.

Learning delays

Developing new skills can take longer, and be more challenging, for some kids with ASD. So for example, switching from wearing a nappy to learning to use a toilet can be a huge leap. This process can typically take longer for kids with autism, so just remember to be patient with them and with yourself.

Gut issues

Compared to their peers, kids with ASD are four times more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues, like constipation and diarrhea [2].

So what’s behind it? Well, factors like selective eating, lack of hydration and fluid intake, and anxiety can play a part.

Overflow soiling can be caused by constipation. This is where stool from higher up in the large bowel leaks from around the constipated area of stool, and can often be mistaken for diarrhoea.

Autism incontinence treatment

There are plenty of resources and products out there to help you with autism incontinence treatment. Remember, you are not alone.

Here are some ways you can manage your child's incontinence and give them the right support.

Talk with their doctor

If you notice your child is having trouble with toilet training or accidents, it's a good idea to talk to their doctor. They can help figure out if it's related to their ASD or something else. Together, you can create a plan to help your child.

Use quality continence aids

Incontinence products can help your child feel more comfortable and confident, whether they're dealing with bladder or bowel control issues or are still learning to use the toilet.

Our Nundies Youth Pants range is not only soft and comfortable enough that they feel like regular underwear, but they help keep little ones dry for up to 12 hours - perfect for bedtime! Just remember pants should be changed ASAP during the daytime to avoid irritation or infection.

They’ve been developed with 3-channel absorbency superpowers for top-tier protection against leaks, with leak guards inside the leg holes for a last line of defence!

We offer two incontinence youth pant sizes, which cater for ages four up to 15, unlike many other brands that only stock products for toddlers.

Plus, if they’re not quite the right size or fit for your child, we have a 100% money-back guarantee because we want your experience buying Nundies to be easy and totally risk-free.

Follow a consistent toilet training routine

We understand how tough toilet training a child can be. But the best thing to do is not give up.

Consistency is key when teaching a child with ASD how to use the bathroom. Giving them verbal (“great job”, “yay you did it!”) and nonverbal (clapping, thumbs up) praise after each successful toilet break, rewards like a sticker chart, showing visual support examples, and habit training (teaching them to use the toilet at set times) are just some techniques you can try.

For extra support, you can always speak to your child’s doctor

Prepare before leaving home

Always keep a change of clothes and extra incontinence products with you when you go out. This way, you'll be prepared for any accidents and can avoid feeling stressed.

Know the triggers

To help your little one out, try keeping a diary of their accidents. This can help you spot patterns, like certain situations or triggers that might be causing problems. For example, maybe loud noises or bright lights make it hard for them to use the toilet.

Maintain food and fluid intake

Keeping a regular routine with food and drinks can really help your child get the hang of using the toilet. For example, giving them a drink about 15 minutes before a toilet break can increase their chances of success.

Make sure they’re staying hydrated too—it helps prevent constipation. Adding things like high-fibre fruits and veggies to their meals can also make a big difference.

If their tummy looks bloated, feels sore, or they haven’t pooped in about a week, it’s a good idea to see your GP to check it out. Better safe than sorry!

Incontinence products and support for kids with autism

Dealing with incontinence can be challenging for kids with autism and their families, but it doesn’t have to hold anyone back from living a happy, fulfilling life.

The key is understanding your child’s unique needs, finding a routine that works, and reaching out for support—whether that’s from healthcare professionals or other families who get it.

With a mix of patience, kindness, and some practical strategies, you can help your child feel supported and confident. And remember, you’re not in this alone. There are plenty of resources and people out there to help you and your child tackle this together. You’ve got this!

If your child is experiencing incontinence, check out our Nundies youth pants which will help keep your child dry and confident whether at home or out and about.