Caregiver-led relief for encopresis in autistic children after enuresis treatment
Official title: Comprehensive Toileting Programming: Enuresis Treatment to a Randomized Clinical Trial of a Caregiver-Mediated Multidisciplinary Intervention for Encopresis
Run by Emory University · NCT07226739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a telehealth, caregiver-delivered behavioral program plus a glycerin suppository for children with autism who still have encopresis after urine continence is achieved.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 5 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2031 |
| Study ends | January 2031 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07226739 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 5–12 year olds with ASD or similar developmental delays who have encopresis (>1 incontinent BMs/week) after completing enuresis treatment and have at least one English-speaking caregiver.
✕Probably not a fit
Children without persistent encopresis after enuresis treatment or without a caregiver able to participate may see limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Children ages 5–12 with intellectual or developmental delays and encopresis, who have completed enuresis treatment, are randomized if enuresis is resolved but encopresis persists. The trial compares a telehealth, caregiver-mediated encopresis treatment to a parent education program, with behavioral strategies and glycerin suppositories as needed. All participants see a pediatric gastroenterologist to ensure safety and address constipation. Outcomes include caregiver questionnaires, bowel movement diaries, and caregiver–blinded investigator interviews to assess encopresis and other concerns, plus adverse events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce encopresis symptoms and improve quality of life for children and families.
How similar studies have gone: Prior approaches using behavioral strategies for encopresis show promise but caregiver-mediated telehealth delivery in ASD populations is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Age 5 to 12 * Diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental delay (excluding individuals with ADHD alone) * Encopresis (more than 1 incontinent BM a week) * Required for pre-randomization phase only: Enuresis (\> 1 incontinent urination per day when on a consistent toileting sit schedule) * At least one caregiver who speaks and understands English Exclusion Criteria: * Unresolved medical condition that would impede toilet training (e.g., interference with sphincter control, short gut syndrome, urinary tract or gastrointestinal infection, unexplained diarrhea, recent intestinal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease) * Failed intensive toileting treatment in the past 2 yrs with protocols akin to study * Current serious behavioral or psychiatric disorder that requires another treatment * Current or planned other intervention (behavioral or medical) for incontinence
Where it's running
-
Marcus Autism Center
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mindy Scheithauer, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Mindy Scheithauer, PhD
- Email: Mindy.Scheithauer@choa.org
- Phone: 404-785-9322
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.