Raising a child with high-functioning autism comes with unique challenges. One common concern that many parents face is bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, which can persist in children with autism beyond the age it does in neurotypical children. While there are various reasons bedwetting can occur and many ways to manage it, one potential area of support that is often overlooked is care from a Billings chiropractor.
The Role of the Nervous System
Children with high-functioning autism often have heightened sensitivities and unique needs, which include challenges with sensory processing, communication, and social interaction. These sensitivities can also extend to the way their nervous system functions and impacts bodily processes, including bladder control. Bedwetting is not uncommon in children with autism and can sometimes be linked to how their brain and body communicate during sleep.
The nervous system plays a critical role in regulating all body functions, including those involved in bladder control. Misalignments in the spine, particularly in the lower back where nerves that control bladder function are located, can interfere with the body’s ability to properly regulate these processes. This can potentially lead to bedwetting, especially during deep sleep when the body’s natural signals are harder to detect.
Supporting Children with High-Functioning Autism
Chiropractic care focuses on optimizing the nervous system by aligning the spine and removing any interference that may affect communication between the brain and the rest of the body. For children with high-functioning autism, chiropractic adjustments can help address the underlying nervous system imbalances that may contribute to bedwetting. By gently adjusting the spine, we aim to improve the function of the nervous system, supporting better coordination between the brain and the bladder.
Chiropractic care is also known for its calming effects on the nervous system, which can be particularly beneficial for children who experience heightened sensory sensitivities. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help reduce overall tension and stress within the body, promoting a more balanced state of well-being. This may help create a more restful environment where the body’s natural functions, like bladder control, can work more effectively.
At Bare Chiropractic, we believe in a holistic approach to health, where the body is seen as a connected whole rather than a collection of isolated systems and symptoms. For children with high-functioning autism, this means looking beyond the immediate issue of bedwetting and considering how their overall spinal health and nervous system function can be optimized to support their well-being.
Discover Natural Support for Your Child’s Well-Being
If you are a parent of a child with autism who struggles with bedwetting, chiropractic care may offer a supportive, non-invasive approach to help manage this concern. At Bare Chiropractic, we are committed to providing personalized care that takes into account the unique needs of each child and family.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas Keogh and take the first step toward discovering a natural path to wellness for your child. Together, we can explore the possibilities of helping your child thrive!
Sources
Instebø, E., Lystad, R.P. “Chiropractic Care of an 8-Year-Old Girl With Nonorganic, Primary Nocturnal Enuresis: A Case Report.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2016 Mar; 15(1): 47–52. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4812021/
Von Gontard, A., Pirrung, M., Niemczyk, J., Equit, M. “Incontinence in children with autism spectrum disorder.” Journal of Pediatric Urology, 2015 Oct; 11 (5): 264.e1-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26052001/
