An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Encopresis in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Encopresis, Autistic Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Encopresis focused on measuring Behavioral Symptoms, Child Development Disorders, Pervasive, Bowel Incontinence, Constipation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 5-21
- Confirmed diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale II (CARSII)
- Clearance from gastroenterologist for use of glycerin suppository, bisacodyl suppository and senna
- Caregiver willing to give consent/assent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age under 5 year or over 21 years
- Does not present a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder
- Previous intestinal surgeries or concurrent enuresis
- Caregiver unwilling to give consent/assent
Sites / Locations
- Marcus Autism Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Treatment Program
Waitlist Control
Pediatric subjects with autistic spectrum disorder will begin treatment immediately. The treatment program will consist of 10 appointments of up to 4 hours each, over a 14 day period, followed by 4 weekly 1-hour follow-up visits. During each appointment, subjects will be guided to sit on the toilet. If the participant has a continent urination they will be provided with praise and remain on the toilet. If a participant has a continent bowel movement they will be provided with enthusiastic praise along with positive reinforcement and they will be allowed to leave the bathroom. A continent bowel movement will end that day's appointment. If necessary, glycerin suppositories, bisacodyl suppositories, and/or senna may be used to aid in the bowl movement.
Pediatric subjects with autistic spectrum disorder will wait for 8 weeks and then be offered treatment at that time.The treatment program will consist of 10 appointments of up to 4 hours each, over a 14 day period, followed by 4 weekly 1-hour follow-up visits. During each appointment, participants will be guided to sit on the toilet. If the participant has a continent urination they will be provided with praise and remain on the toilet. If a participant has a continent bowel movement they will be provided with enthusiastic praise along with positive reinforcement and they will be allowed to leave the bathroom. A continent bowel movement will end that day's appointment. If necessary, glycerin suppositories, bisacodyl suppositories, and/or senna may be used to aid in the bowl movement.