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Absorbent Undergarments and Special Needs Children
By Lisamarie Sanders
"Absorbent undergarments are sort of a cornerstone of any child [with bowel and bladder control problems]," explains Dr. Nold. This is especially true of special needs children. "You want to get these children integrated into as much socialization as possible," he says, and using these undergarments helps.
<Although it has been argued that absorbent undergarments may prolong or delay training, Dr. Nold disagrees. "Putting a child in absorbent undergarments is not necessarily regressive," he explains. He sees these disposable pants as a way of helping children until they are ready to tackle their incontinence issues. He adds that most children prefer real underwear, and will work toward that goal when the time is right for them.
Lucille Golembiewski, RN, supervisor of the Preschool Division of The Brooklyn School for Special Children in Brooklyn, N.Y., stresses the increased need for consistency with special needs children. Often parents try to train a child by using regular underpants and a timed voiding schedule during the week, but then switch to absorbent undergarments for convenience on the weekend. This can confuse the child and lead to delays in his training.