Hi Heather, dealing with bedwetting can be incredibly challenging and worrying for the whole family. Bedwetting has been linked with deep sleep or disrupted sleep patterns, which is why there was the possibility that your son would stop wetting the bed following the removal of his tonsils. Each child is unique and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. 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. While the conditioning alarm does not work for all children, I find the success rate increases the more guidance and support you receive. Treatment can take between 3 and 6 months and it is not uncommon for children to experience one or two relapses before achieving permanent continence, when this happens it is important to reintroduce the alarm following the same procedures as you did before. While conditioning alarms continue to experience the best outcomes, some of the more alternative methods have also met with different degrees of success. Hypnotherapy has been successfully used to help children wake up and go to the toilet. This can be used on its own or in combination with the conditioning alarm, and can help children respond more readily to the sound of the alarm. Your best point of contact for hypnotherapy is the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association: 1800 067 557. Diet intervention may also help as many children with Autism or Aspergers have sensitivities to certain foods or are prone to allergies. Dairy, wheat and citrus have all been linked with bedwetting; any changes or dietry eliminations should be done with the assistance of a professional. With a little help I’m sure your son will be able to head off to school camp feeling confident and self-assured!

Regards, Dr Cathrine

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