Expert: Trey McGowan - 3/15/2007

Question
my son is 13 years old and has classic autism.he has never shown any interest in training out of a diaper.in school he wears underpants all day so he holds it up to 6-7 hours a day.he is non-verbal and doesn't understand much anyone says.any suggestions?i fear this holding in his urine may harm him physically in the end.

Answer
Hi Michele!

I hope you will forgive me, as I've never had much of a chance to deal with potty training a youngster on my own. However, I know from personal experience that just as some experiences can be uncomfortable, others can be comfortable. It may be that the wearing of a diaper has become an enjoyable thing for him and thus he may not really feel the need to be potty trained. However, by continuing to put the diapers on him, you've also given him this message. It may be time to put your foot down! Or rather, you'll have to teach him as you taught him for other 'unacceptable' things.

However, yes. Holding urine for that amount of time is risking a UTI, even for a male (although they are far rarer). While I wish I could come up with a better suggestion, I think getting in contact with his psychologist (if he has one) or his physician might be the best way to go on this. They would better be able to help tailor something to him, depending on whether he doesn't understand, whether he understands limited words, or if he understands what's being said but not why he has to do it.

Hope this at least helps a small amount,

Trey