Detailed Assessment of Incontinence, Psychological Problems and Parental Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Incontinence, psychological symptoms, parental stress and psychopathology were examined in 51 children (43 boys, mean age = 9.7 years) presented in an outpatient clinic for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and in 53 matched controls (43 boys, mean age = 10.2 years). All children were clinically assessed for ASD, incontinence and psychopathology according to current guidelines. ASD was confirmed in 37 children and excluded in 14. Enuresis (16.2%) and daytime urinary incontinence (16.2%), but not fecal incontinence (8.2%) were more common in ASD than in controls. Children with ASD showed significantly more comorbid psychiatric disorders. Parents of children with ASD experience more stress. Parental stress was predicted by parental psychopathology, role restriction and group (patient/control), but not by incontinence.