Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis, Management and Transitional Urology Care Gaps

Purpose of Review Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) encompasses abnormalities in filling and emptying of the bladder. The prevalence of LUTD in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is significantly higher compared to the general population. This review summarizes the current diagnosis and management approaches to LUTD in individuals with ASD, and highlights transition urologic care gaps in this population. Recent Findings Barriers to standard therapy for LUTD in individuals with ASD include sensory processing differences, impaired interoception, and communication challenges. Multidisciplinary, individualized care is crucial for incorporating strategies to target problem areas. Validated, ASD-specific LUTD questionnaires are in development. Transitional urologic needs are increasingly recognized, yet ASD-specific frameworks are lacking. Summary LUTD is highly prevalent, persistent, and often treatment resistant in individuals with ASD. Nonpharmacological interventions remain the mainstay for treatment but should be tailored to the individual. Future studies in transitional urologic care gaps are needed.