Incontinence in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is an incapacitating disorder with significant impairment in social functioning. In most cases, psychological symptoms and disorders co-occur. Additionally, children with ASD are at a greater risk of being affected by different forms of incontinence and LUTS. Therefore, screening for incontinence and, if indicated, treatment of these disorders is recommended.Table. Rates of incontinence and psychological symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder and controls.Autism spectrum disorderControls% (N)100 (40)% (N)100 (43)Subtypes of incontinenceAny incontinence: % (N)40.0 (16)4.7 (2)NE: % (N)30.0 (12)-DUI: % (N)25.0 (10)4.7 (2)FI: % (N)12.5 (5)-Clinically relevant CBCL score >90th percentileCBCL Internalizing: % (N)67.5 (27)9.3 (4)CBCL Externalizing: % (N)32.5 (13)-CBCL Total: % (N)70.0 (28)2.3 (1)ASD, autism spectrum disorder; CBCL, Child Behavior Checklist; DUI, daytime urinary incontinence; FI, fecal incontinence; NE, nocturnal enuresis.