Hey friend, is your autistic child drinking a lot of water? You might be wondering why. It’s actually a pretty common concern for parents of autistic children. The link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and excessive thirst has been studied, and there are a few important things to consider.
Breaking Down the Science Behind Autism and Excessive Drinking
In the study, Excessive Drinking of Fluids in Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum, it talks about studying the link between autism and excessive fluid drinking. They used 2 methods to test this: an online survey and a clinical study.
An online survey on the National Autistic Society (NAS) website collected anonymous responses from 637 participants, mostly parents, using a six-point scale to classify drinking behavior. Those rated 4-6 were considered excessive drinkers. The NAS survey found that 74% of participants exhibited excessive drinking, with 62% still showing the behavior during the study.
The clinical study of 200 individuals with autism, assessed using the DISCO diagnostic tool, provided additional data. In the clinical sample, 34% had experienced this issue, with 23% still displaying it at the time of assessment.
In the study, when participants were denied drinks, many exhibit distress, including tantrums or aggression. Physical effects include vomiting (21%), diarrhea (29%), or both (11%), possibly linked to dangerous blood chemistry changes. Psychiatric issues and aggressive behaviors are more common in those with both vomiting and diarrhea.
The conclusion of the study suggest that excessive fluid intake is a significant issue for some individuals on the autism spectrum, driven by physiological thirst rather than intellectual disability or repetitive behaviors. It highlights the problem’s distressing and hazardous nature and calls for urgent research to understand and address it.
Sensory Sensitivities and Thirst in Autistic Children
Parents often wonder if an autistic child drinking large amounts of fluids is related to sensory needs. In fact, many autistic people experience sensory sensitivities that can make it hard to recognize thirst.
For some, the feeling of dry mouth or thirst might be overwhelming, while for others, they may not even notice when they’re dehydrated.
This can lead to either excessive thirst or not drinking enough water at all. Sensory preferences also come into play.
The Role of Repetitive Behaviors and Routines
In some cases, repetitive behaviors and the need for routine in children with autistic tendencies might influence their drinking habits. They might find comfort in the act of drinking water as part of their daily routine. If they are into something like special interests, you might notice they drink a lot of water during certain activities or times of the day. This can be part of their coping mechanism or a sensory experience for them.
Is There a Link to Health Issues?
An autistic child drinking excessively might need a medical evaluation to rule out potential health issues. A new study suggests that excessive drinking can be related to certain psychiatric disorders or physical health concerns. There’s a potential link between excessive water intake and conditions like polydipsia or even brain function issues.
It’s also worth noting that autistic individuals might face feeding problems, especially with solid foods or new foods, which could make them feel the need to drink more.
How Much Water Is Enough?
As parents, it’s important to ensure your child’s fluid intake stays balanced. Hydration plays a crucial role in everything from brain function to emotional well-being. Adequate hydration helps keep your child’s energy levels stable and supports their mental health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children—whether they are young children or older children—should be drinking enough water to stay hydrated but not excessively so.
What Can You Do?
If you’re noticing your child drinks a lot of water more often than not, here are a few tips to help:
- Offer water at regular intervals to ensure they’re drinking enough water.
- Make drinking water fun! Try using a sippy cup or ice cube trays to change the sensory experience.
- Experiment with fresh fruit in their water or offer small amounts of flavored water if they’re avoiding plain water.
- If you’re concerned about their hydration or notice signs of health problems like dry mouth, or if excessive drinking might be linked to a condition like coeliac disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
The Takeaway
If you notice your autistic child drinking child’s hydration habits are affecting their social interaction or are part of autistic traits like social anxiety, it might be a good idea to consult with an occupational therapist. They can help identify any sensory information or challenges that may be making hydration a struggle for your child.
Remember, as a parent of a child with autism diagnosis, every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Hydration is just one piece of the puzzle, but ensuring your child gets the right amount of water can make a significant difference in their overall health and well-being.
Let me know how it goes or if you have any more questions—I’m always here to help! 😊
References
- Terai K, Munesue T, Hiratani M. Excessive water drinking behavior in autism. Brain Dev. 1999 Mar;21(2):103-6. doi: 10.1016/s0387-7604(98)00079-5. PMID: 10206527.
- Lai MC, Lombardo MV, Baron-Cohen S. Autism. Lancet. 2014 Mar 8;383(9920):896-910. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61539-1. Epub 2013 Sep 26. PMID: 24074734.
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