Continence Support for Children with Special Needs

Many children and young adults with disabilities also face continence issues. Common conditions for children and young adults with continence issues can include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and spina bifida. Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities all share similar goals: to provide a full, rich life for every child.

It’s important that people in the extended circle of a child with special needs – people like teachers, aides and others – understand what to expect from each child’s incontinence issues and how to handle situations as they arise. Remember: when it comes to teachers and others who work with children with a disability, incontinence is something they deal with on a daily basis.

A child’s mental and emotional development isn’t always in sync with their physical development. Changes in body size and shape can have a significant impact on a caregiver’s ability to deal with incontinence. In cases where children and young adults with emotional difficulties are resistant to incontinence treatment, addressing their hygiene needs can be difficult.

To learn more about the intersection of lifestyle and healthcare for a child with special needs experiencing incontinence, download a full booklet at https://www.nafc.org/resource-center/continence-support-for-children-with-disabilities.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.