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Bladder Training for Individuals with Autism: a Systematic Review Concludes as Empty

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Abstract

This systematic review set out to investigate the literature base that supports the use of behavioral bladder training therapies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder showing nocturnal enuresis or daytime urinary incontinence associated with lower urinary tract symptoms or bladder dysfunction. In neurotypical individuals, these conditions are traditionally prescribed bladder training therapies as primary treatment. A comprehensive search strategy was employed using a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria and without restriction to publication year. Ultimately, no studies met the inclusion criteria, resulting in an empty review. The importance of establishing an evidence-base for this population in this clinical area is discussed. This empty review indicates a gap in the literature that prompts a call for empirical studies to be conducted.

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  1. Department of Educational Studies, College of Education and Human Services, Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ, 07079, USA

    Frank R. Cicero

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  1. Frank R. Cicero
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Correspondence to Frank R. Cicero.

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Cicero, F.R. Bladder Training for Individuals with Autism: a Systematic Review Concludes as Empty. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 10, 595–603 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-022-00315-9

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