Comprehensive Toileting Program to help kids with autism overcome urine and stool accidents
Official title: Comprehensive Toileting Programming: Enuresis Treatment to a Randomized Clinical Trial of a Caregiver-Mediated Multidisciplinary Intervention for Encopresis
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11413840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A caregiver-led, multidisciplinary program is being tested to help children with autism who have both enuresis (bedwetting) and encopresis (fecal incontinence) improve continence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $504,858 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115933-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are autistic children aged roughly 5–11 years who experience both enuresis and encopresis.
✕Less likely to help
Some children may not respond to the integrated approach and may require alternative therapies.
What this research studies
This project focuses on autistic children who struggle with both urinary and stool leaks. It builds on evidence that behavioral approaches help bedwetting and introduces a Multidisciplinary Intervention for Encopresis (MIE) that combines constipation management, physician-guided use of suppositories if needed, and behavior reinforcement. The study will test a care team–based delivery model to improve access, including reaching families in rural areas. By comparing outcomes in this structured program, researchers aim to identify who benefits most and what supports sustain continence over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce distress and improve quality of life for autistic children and their families by increasing continence.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier trials showed feasibility and efficacy of the MIE in specialty clinics, but access barriers exist that this study aims to address.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheithauer, Mindy — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Scheithauer, Mindy
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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.