How is the connection with incontinence and autism?

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I have both and was just wondering if there was any connection?

I don't believe there is one.

I don't believe one has too much to do with the other.

Incontinence has many causes---most of which have nothing to do with autism.

I have issues with going to the bathroom due to problems with interoception. I often can't tell when I need to "go", and now I can't "go" easily from always unintentionally holding it. I've accidentally taught my body to further ignore those signals.

The connect is usually related to problems with Interoception in the digestive system. Being hyposensitive would mean that you can't feel or recognise the need to go until it's too late. Being hypersensitive would mean that you have to go frequently, because you are triggered by certain foods. The person can't always go in time.

I had to learn to identify cues with my Occupational Therapist.

Other people say that gluten sensitivity and / or lactose intolerance are common in Autism. I don't know if that's supported by research but I've heard it a lot. The vagus nerve is responsible for our feelings of social connectedness, trauma, ADHD, and sensory perception (all related to autism), but it is also connected to the digestive tract. You might want to research Polyvagal Theory about ways to improve our nervous system, including bladder and bowel function.

This is a fairly long video but it's very informative. I think I might make a thread about the ILS program because I'll be starting it soon with my OT. Around 11:22 there's a good summary of how the vagus nerve relates to digestion and also autism.

Last edited by IsabellaLinton on 24 Jun 2021, 10:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

I've never had any trouble with going to the bathroom. I was even easy to potty-train.

I've had somewhat trouble with wetting even after when potty-trained had my last accident at 13yr.I had been dry for several yrs then in mid 50's it started all over again and have been confined to diapers.I also have autism +dd.

Have you seen a urologist, neurologist, and occupational therapist?

Do you have nerve damage?

No nerve but can't always control things that's why my wife has me use diapers.

I'd recommend Occupational Therapy for Interoception (body signal awareness).

You could also try Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation with a physiotherapist. They can help men as well as women with bladder / bowel control, pelvic pain, or any difficulties with pelvic tone.

Thanks.

IC can be due to sensory processing issues so the person doesn't feel they have to go until it's too late. That is why people with severe autism tend to wear diapers. People with milder autism have had the same issue too but most of them are potty trained, they just have to go on schedule or make sure they have gone. Temple Grandin being one of them.

My bladder/bowel movements are normal, no different to the average NT my age. I haven't physically peed/pooped my pants since I was a small child. I can hold it if I'm not near a toilet. My poop fluctuates a lot; I don't have a "schedule" and I sometimes get constipated or randomly have loose stools but this doesn't make me incontinent. I require no incontinence pads or diapers. The only thing I need in my underwear are sanitary towels when I have a period once a month, but I can manage it.

I need to wear protection. I won't go into too many details.

Yeah, I think there can be a connection.
My AS son was late to potty train and still wetting the bed up to age 12. It was as if he just wasn't aware enough of his own bodily sensations to recognise when he needed to go. Looking at the above posts I see that would be called a problem with interoception.
Not sure if this is connected, but he used to love spinning around on things, and he likes eating spicy food, he's sensory seeking.

Now there is a true connection: "spinning things" and autism.

I've never met an autistic person who doesn't like to spin things! For some reason, I wasn't really into that as a kid, but got more into it as an adult.

I've actually met a decent amount of autistic people. I had a friend, growing up, whose brother was severely autistic.

I don't like to spin things, never have.