Is his bedwetting related to SM?
I posted on the forum at the CAN site, but I also wanted to get your professional opinion about a problem we’re having. My son, A……, is 5 now and in Kindergarten. He’s been in “school” since he was 2 and was mute in school for the first 3 years. I am VERY happy to say that he is talking to his new Kindergarten teacher, even raising his hand in class! We’re very proud, and very thankful to you as well. You helped us back in Feb. with a treatment plan for him. Well, at the time, there were no “bathroom issues” with A…… Now there are many. He is wetting himself at school (and worse!) and it is also a problem at home. I’m just wondering if you think this is related to SM, because he is talking so well in school now. What do you think is going on? Thank you for any advice you can give.
Answer
I am thrilled that A….. is doing so well with his mutism! That is great!
A few questions that I have are:
- Does A….. take medication for anything? If he does take medication, certain medications can cause this to happen in young children
- Does A…… have BOWEL accidents as well? If does not, and urination is often, I would have him evaluated for a Urinary Tract Infection. Some of our SM kids develop kidney reflux from HOLDING it in so long (due to a variety of reasons- ‘shy bladder syndrome,’ not being able to ASK, etc.) As a result, they are more prone to Urinary Tract Infections.
If A….. is not on meds and does not have a UTI or any other medical issue, then I suggest working with a behavioral therapist to help him overcome this. Hope this has helped.
Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum
