Bathroom Accidents

[Lukesmom14]

My son (7. 8 in October) was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 . When he was diagnosed he was having frequent bathroom accidents and the doctor recommended seeing a specialist to rule out a medical issue. Both the urologist and gastroenterologist ruled out medical saying it was most likely his ADHD. That he was missing the signals his body was giving. I was told it wasn't uncommon for kids with ADHD but nothing the doctors have recommended has worked. It's gotten a little better. Lately other kids have started to notice. His pediatrician said he'll have to grow out of it. That might be case but I just wish I could help. I don't want him to be made fun of or feel ashamed. Has anyone else gone through this?

[anirush]

There are pull ups and nighttime diapers in large sizes. I had to use them for one of my grandsons. He is s teenager now, but he was 8 or 9 before he finally got bladder control

[Cjkchamp]

Only a few issues with my ADHD kid, but he grew out of it. Now, my other kid was the issue….we ended up having her use a potty watch that vibrated on a set schedule and she was to use the bathroom. We notified the teacher who was very helpful to try to minimize any classroom disruption.

[bernerDad]

I think this is pretty common actually with ADHD kids (and kids in general... it's not actually considered pathological until the age of 10).

If an anatomical or obvious medical conditions have already been ruled out then doing what Cjkchamp already mentioned is an effective strategy called "timed voiding".

Behavioral interventions including profuse praise / reward for early success can also be helpful.

Medications (like ddAVP) can help but I think a lot of doctors are reluctant to try this except for intermittent use (like occasional sleepovers, but probably not every school day).

It is also possible that treating the underlying ADHD can also help. Though treatment with medications (like stimulants) are the quickest way to reduce ADHD symptoms, there are other approaches including sleep optimization, supplements, and therapy.

[Dustyrose415]

My son is 5 and was recently diagnosed with ADHD and sensory processing disorder. It was such a challenge to potty train. We ended up working with a psychologist at a toileting clinic at a nearby university hospital. I’d recommend asking your pediatrician if there’s a local toileting clinic to help you out. What has worked for us was taking him to the bathroom in regular intervals (every 1.5 -2hours) and using a tangible incentive for “trying” immediately after. He had a choice between screen time (15 minutes on the tablet or one episode of a TV show) or a cookie. Anytime he’d resist I’d remind him he doesn’t have to use the toilet but the doctor said he has to try. Telling him his doctor said he has to try and his doctor said he could have a treat separated me from having a battle of wills against my son if that makes sense. We still use pull ups at nap time and bedtime but hasn’t had any major accidents since we implemented this routine. Good luck!

[julieboolie]

My 5.5 yo so will wait too long to go and will not take his time and pay attention when he goes, which can result in wet pants. It happens sometimes but not all the time and not often enough to have addressed formally yet. He is embarrassed by it but not enough to slow down. Even when reminded he still will hold it as long as possible before going. I remind him, usually when I notice he's dancing around, but can't be with him at school. I am going to work with a timer of some kind to see if it will help.

[Miagrand]

I got my 7-year-old granddaughter a vibrating watch that you can set for a number of times each day. It kickstarted her being able to cue herself to go to the toilet on a regular basis. She still occasionally has (now minor) accidents but the improvement is really encouraging.