Regardless of what other issues you have to deal with, coping with bedwetting can be incredibly testing and if not managed effectively can exacerbate an already challenging situation. There are a number of possible contributing factors at play here. Firstly, there is a much higher incidence of bedwetting among children with Aspergers and autism. Similarly, the incidence of bedwetting in children with ADHD is also about two to three times higher than for other children. Children with ADHD are also more likely to experience sleep problems and have difficulty waking up to go to the bathroom when their bladder is full. A neurological-developmental delay has been linked with continued nighttime wetting. Children whose nervous systems are still forming (which may be the case for children with Aspergers or ADHD) may be slower to process the feeling of a full bladder and therefore do not wake up in time to relieve themselves. For these children, the bedwetting often stops once their bodies have developed to a point where they are able to detect the signs sent from their bladder to their brain saying it is full and needs emptying. If you have not done so already I would recommend that you ask to be referred to a Pediatrician who specializes in treating children’s nighttime incontinence. In the meantime I would recommend using DryNites to help manage his nighttime wetting, this should reduce the stress associated with coping with constant wet sheets. You can also encourage independence by getting your son to dispose of them himself each morning. Given your son’s diagnoses you may be entitled to access financial support through the new Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS). For more information on this and to check your eligibility just click on the link provided on the lefthand side of DryNites homepage (www.drynites.com.au).

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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