Treating Encopresis in People with Intellectual Disabilities: a Literature Review

Abstract

The purpose of the present paper was to review research studies of faecal soiling (not linked to anatomical anomalies) in people with intellectual disabilities. The research studies were identi®ed through: (1) computerized searches of the PSYCLIT and MEDICAL EXPRESS databases for journal articles published between 1975 and 2000; and (2) a hand search of the reference lists of the articles found through the computerized process. Twenty-one studies were reviewed: 13 dealt with the treatment of non-retentive faecal soiling (i.e. soiling occurring in the absence of constipation); and eight were on retentive faecal soiling (i.e. soiling occurring in the presence of constipation). Treatment and follow-up data tended to be fairly encouraging, with clear performance changes. An analysis of the results, in relation to the treatment conditions and designs of the studies, underlined several procedural and practical questions. Possible research initiatives to clarify those questions are presented.

Raising our sights: services for adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

“…Research suggests that people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities can learn to use microswitches to indicate a preference or control an event (Lancioni et al, 2001(Lancioni et al, , 2008. Such microswitches may have to be adapted so that they are operated in different ways, depending on the physical impairments of the disabled person.…”

Urinary incontinence in children with special needs

“…Similarly, positive reinforcement, shaping and fading techniques, as well as regular prompting was described for children and adults with intellectual disability who had DUI and faecal incontinence. [65][66][67][68] Knowledge of the specific behavioural phenotype in intellectual disability syndromes, such as FXS, can help tailor treatment even more effectively to match the child's and family's needs and capacities. 20 Therapists need to be flexible and "adapt their attitudes to children's needs instead of trying to adjust children's attitudes to their needs".…”

Parent-Mediated Toilet Training for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder through Teleconsultation: A Case Report

“…Defecation training has certain difficulties due to the following causes: infrequency, less frequency with constipation, difficulty in learning due to intellectual disability, ritual patterns due to unique sensations, difficulty in movement and posture, noncompliance, and fear of eliminating on the toilet. [2][3][4] If defecation training is unsuccessful, alternative procedures are needed for optimizing the client's situation.…”