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Home › Articles › Bedwetting › Bedwetting and Special Needs Children

Bedwetting and Special Needs Children

How Treatment Varies With Age

By Lyn Mettler

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Treatment

When bedwetting is an isolated problem in children with milder disabilities and no physical problems, Dr. Jones tells parents not to do anything before the age of 5, because enuresis is completely normal.

Around 6 or 7, parents might bring it up with their doctor, where they usually will be counseled that it is a common problem and that it most often goes away on its own. Dr. Jones offers suggestions on fluid intake such as trying to have the child drink the majority of liquids before 8 p.m. Though, he stresses, parents should never restrict fluid intake.

W.C., however, says he never felt comfortable modifying Karl's liquid intake in any way, because he feels it is too easy for children to become dehydrated, especially in the hot summer climate.

Other treatments for bedwetting include dietary adjustment, disposable absorbent underpants and alarms that wake the child at the first sign of moisture. If bedwetting continues beyond 6 or 7, Dr. Jones says he would discuss these additional treatments with the parent and let them decide if they would like to give them a try.

But, he advises, "In general, enuresis – with time – will go away on its own." In the meantime, the use of disposable absorbent underpants can help you through it.

It's most likely that your child won't have to worry about bedwetting that long; however, if you have any concerns, speak with your doctor. Since every child is different, a doctor will be the best judge of what to do for your child at any given age.


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