An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Encopresis in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2017-01-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The purpose of this study is to try to treat bowel movement (BM) accidents differently with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study will use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to evoke predictable bowel movements. This will make it possible for investigators to use certain strategies to reward BMs in the toilet. Independence will be increased by fading out the use of medications. The investigators will also train caregivers to implement the procedures.

• Phase: N/A
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Emory University
• Collaborator: Organization for Autism Research
• Treatments: Bisacodyl; Glycerol; Senna Extract; Sennoside A&B

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 5-21

• Confirmed diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale II (CARSII)

• Clearance from gastroenterologist for use of glycerin suppository, bisacodyl suppository and senna

• Caregiver willing to give consent/assent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 5 year or over 21 years

• Does not present a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder

• Previous intestinal surgeries or concurrent enuresis

• Caregiver unwilling to give consent/assent