Caregiver-Led Telehealth Treatment for Encopresis in Children with Autism After Enuresis Training

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to monitor fecal continence in autistic children aged 5 to 12 who have completed toilet training for enuresis and to evaluate the effectiveness of a caregiver-led multidisciplinary intervention for encopresis delivered via telehealth. The study focuses on children who continue to experience encopresis after achieving urine continence, assessing a behavioral treatment combined with over-the-counter glycerin suppository use compared to a parent education program. Participants who still have encopresis after resolving enuresis will be randomly assigned to either the caregiver-mediated intervention or the parent education group. The intervention includes daily virtual appointments with a behavior analyst over two weeks, involving scheduled toilet sits, positive reinforcement for bowel movements, and use of glycerin suppositories as needed. The parent education group receives guidance on promoting continence and data collection for bowel movements. All participants will also consult a pediatric gastroenterologist to ensure safety and address constipation. Throughout the study, caregivers will complete bowel movement tracking and questionnaires, and participate in interviews with a blinded investigator to monitor encopresis, other concerns, and adverse events. The main outcome is improvement measured by the Clinical Global Impression Improvement scale five weeks after starting the intervention. Caregiver strain and fecal continence data will also be evaluated. Informed consent is obtained from guardians, with participant assent when appropriate.

Comprehensive Toileting Program