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Updated: May 25, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Sensory processing in children with functional daytime urinary incontinence: A comparative study with autism spectrum
Anka J Nieuwhof-Leppink1, Eline Helena Maria van de Wetering2, André Bernard Rietman3
1Department of Medical Psychology and Social Work, Urology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands; Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Insights
Children with daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) show more sensory processing issues, particularly under-responsivity. These challenges are also prominent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a link that could inform better urotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Functional daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) is common in children and influenced by multiple factors.
- Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of DUI, potentially linked to sensory processing issues.
- Sensory processing difficulties are frequently observed in children with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sensory processing issues and functional daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) in children.
- To explore the role of sensory processing in children with both DUI and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involved 225 children aged 6-12, divided into four groups: healthy, DUI-only, ASD-only, and combined DUI and ASD.
- Parents completed the Dutch version of the Short Sensory Profile (SSP-NL) to assess sensory processing.
- Sensory processing patterns were compared across the four participant groups.
Main Results:
- Children with DUI-only exhibited lower scores in 'Low energy/weak' and 'Low registration' on the SSP-NL, indicating sensory under-responsivity.
- Children diagnosed with ASD presented the most significant sensory processing issues, irrespective of DUI status.
- The study identified potential limitations in multisensory processing in children with DUI.
Conclusions:
- Children experiencing daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) may have more pronounced sensory processing issues compared to healthy children.
- Understanding these sensory challenges is crucial for improving urotherapy interventions for children with DUI.
- Incorporating sensory considerations and adaptive behavior strategies can enhance treatment outcomes for children with incontinence and sensory difficulties.
Background:
Functional daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) is a frequently occurring condition among children. The etiology of DUI is multifactorial, involving genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) seems related to DUI, as children with ASD have a higher risk of developing DUI. Sensory processing issues are prevalent in children with ASD and may contribute to DUI.
Objective:
This study aims to elucidate the role of sensory processing issues in children with functional daytime urinary incontinence in relation to ASD.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted, including parents of children aged 6-12 years old, categorized into four groups: healthy children, children with DUI-only, children with ASD-only, and children with both DUI and ASD. Parents completed the Dutch version of the Short Sensory Profile (SSP-NL) to compare sensory processing between groups.
Results:
A total of 225 eligible children participated in this study, with 75 otherwise healthy children, 58 children with DUI-only, 49 with ASD-only, and 43 children with DUI and ASD. Children with DUI-only scored significantly lower compared to their healthy peers in the SSP-NL domains of 'Low energy/weak' and the quadrant 'Low registration', indicating sensory under-responsivity and potential limitations in multisensory processing. Children diagnosed with ASD had the most sensory processing issues, independent of their DUI status.
Conclusion:
Our study suggests that children with DUI may experience more sensory processing issues than their healthy peers. A better understanding of these issues associated with incontinence may improve urotherapy by taking into account children's sensory challenges and by teaching them adaptive behavior.
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