Many families are surprised to learn that toileting is one of the most common areas where children need extra support. In particular, neurodivergent children frequently experience toileting challenges, which are often multifaceted and require a gradual, individualized approach. That’s where having an occupational therapist (OT) who focuses on continence can make a real difference, even if your child already sees another OT for their broader developmental goals.
Why Continence Support Matters
Research shows that children with autism and ADHD are more likely to experience constipation, incontinence, and other toileting difficulties compared to their peers. In fact, studies suggest that at least half of autistic children (and possibly up to 80%) experience toileting challenges. These difficulties don’t just affect the child’s health – they can also have a big impact on family life, wellbeing, and confidence.
Sometimes these challenges are complex and don’t respond to standard strategies. In these cases, families often need continence-focused support that goes beyond the scope of a general paediatric OT.
The Value of Dedicated Toileting Support
Occupational therapists are trained to support children with a wide range of skills, but just like you wouldn’t expect every OT to be trained specifically to work in the neonatal intensive care unit, not every OT has training or experience in the specific approaches required to treat complex continence issues.
At Kids That Go, we’ve been providing continence-focused occupational therapy since 2002. Our team includes OTs who have:
- a particular interest in toileting/continence
- attended further training in continence
- experience in developing continence resources with government and professional bodies, and
- sat on the Continence Foundation of Australia’s content review team and Queensland State Education Committee
Because of this, we’re able to provide evidence-based, structured, and often more intensive approaches that are tailored to the unique needs of all children.
If you’d like to know more about how OTs can support toileting, we’ve written another blog that may be helpful: How can OT help my child use the toilet?
How Two OTs Can Work Together
If your child already has an OT for general goals (such as emotional regulation, fine motor skills, or social development), adding a second OT just for toileting can be a real benefit.
Here’s why:
- Focused input: OTs who concentrate on continence can provide targeted strategies for bowel and bladder management that general OTs may not cover in depth.
- Time and intensity: Toileting programs often need consistent, structured input. An OT focused on continence can dedicate time to this area, while your child’s general OT can continue working on other important life skills.
- Collaboration: Having two OTs doesn’t mean working in isolation. We regularly collaborate with other therapists, teachers, and health professionals to keep everyone on the same page.
A Path Forward
By engaging an OT with continence experience alongside your child’s current supports, you’re investing in their long-term independence, confidence, and wellbeing. To find out more about how continence-focused occupational therapy can support your family, feel free to get in touch with us at Kids That Go.
SIENNA SMILEY
Occupational Therapist.
