Supporting Autistic Patients with Bowel & Bladder Conditions

Autistic patients are commonly seen by pelvic health physical therapists to address bowel and bladder concerns and can have motor, sensory, and other neurodevelopmental differences, as well as co-occurring conditions, which may influence their clinical presentations and care needs. Join us to learn about factors that you, as a pelvic health physical therapist, should consider to best support autistic patients of all ages.

About the Webinar

Autism is a common form of lifelong developmental neurodivergence among the clinical populations pelvic health physical therapists serve. Recent CDC data indicates at least 1 in 36 people are likely to be autistic, and autistic children and adults are more likely than the general population to experience a variety of pelvic health conditions, including bowel and bladder dysfunction. Neurodevelopmental differences in sensory processing, including interoception, as well as differences in motor control/coordination and the common co-occurrence of hypermobility spectrum conditions in this population, can be contributing factors to an autistic patient’s clinical presentation. This webinar will highlight topics that all pelvic health physical therapists should consider to provide comprehensive and affirming support when working with autistic children and adults.

Objectives:

By the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• List common motor, sensory, and neurodevelopmental factors that may affect the clinical presentation of an autistic patient being seen for bowel or bladder dysfunction in physical therapy.
• Describe ways in which co-occurring hypermobility spectrum conditions can influence bowel and bladder function in autistic patients.
• List areas where pelvic health physical therapists may provide support and/or accommodations for neurodevelopmental differences affecting bowel and bladder function in autistic patients.
• Summarize best practices for supporting effective communication with autistic patients of all ages.

About the Presenter

Iris Warchall, PT, DPT 

Dr. Iris Warchall (she/they) is an autistic self-advocate, parent to an autistic child, and physical therapist specializing in supporting individuals with a variety of the health conditions more prevalent among autistic people, including hypermobility spectrum conditions, pelvic health concerns, chronic pain, dizziness and vestibular dysfunction, and movement disorders. In addition to their clinical practice, Iris provides training on neurodiversity-affirming practice to physical therapists and other professionals. She is passionate about working to improve support for autistic individuals throughout the lifespan.