A wearable device to help children with autism and developmental disabilities learn toilet training.
Official title: Continuity of User-Centered Design of a Proactive RF-Based Wearable Bladder Monitor for Toilet Training of Children with ASD/IDD
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11129241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special wearable device that helps children and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities learn when they need to use the bathroom, making toilet training easier and helping them become more independent.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $98,378 |
| NIH project number | 3R21NR020653-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults aged 0-21 with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual and developmental disabilities who struggle with toilet training.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are neurotypical and do not experience difficulties with toilet training are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a proactive wearable bladder monitor designed to assist children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in toilet training. The device will alert users before an accident occurs, helping them recognize the sensations associated with needing to use the toilet. By providing timely notifications, the goal is to improve toilet training success rates and enhance the independence of these individuals. The project aims to address the significant challenges faced by this population, which often leads to social and psychological barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve toilet training outcomes and overall quality of life for children and young adults with ASD and IDD.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in assistive technologies for various disabilities, this specific proactive approach to toilet training for children with ASD and IDD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Estep, Laura — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Estep, Laura
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.