A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of a Multidisciplinary Intervention for Encopresis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often delayed in achieving bowel continence, resulting in negative outcomes. In this pilot trial, 20 children with ASD and encopresis were randomly assigned to multidisciplinary intervention for encopresis (MIE; n = 10) or a waitlist control group (n = 10). The MIE group was treated for constipation and received a 10-day behavioral intervention that utilized suppositories to produce predictable bowel movements that were reinforced. Caregivers were trained to implement the intervention. Results support the feasibility of clinical trials of MIE, with high enrolment, competition, attendance, and caregiver acceptability. Preliminary outcomes were positive, with six of 10 in the MIE group achieving continence by the end of treatment compared to 0 in the control group (p = 0.005).Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov); ID: NCT02383732.

A consecutive case series analysis of a behavioral intervention for enuresis in children with developmental disabilities.

Children with developmental disabilities (DD) are more likely than typically developing peers to have issues with enuresis. Past research has shown the success of behavioral treatments consisting of scheduled sits and reinforcement for continent voids. However, this research has included small sample sizes, while studies with larger numbers have lacked key information (i.e., baseline rates and follow-up data to evaluate maintenance and generalization). The current study conducted a consecutive case series analysis of 44 individuals with developmental disabilities who completed a 2-week program for enuresis. Results showed significant improvement in continent voids and follow-up data suggested positive results maintained when treatment was implemented by caregivers in a home environment.