Finding Big Kid Diapers, Pull-Ups

and Youth Pants For Your Child

with ASD

Six-year-old Alexander was diagnosed with moderate autism

spectrum disorder (ASD) several years ago. His parents have spent

years attempting to potty train him, but he just isn’t completely

there yet. In fact, his parents thought several times he was potty

trained and then he regressed. Alexander’s parents are frustrated

by the added stress of not reaching this milestone and the added

cost of large-sized pull-ups when their budget is already really

tight. What can they do to make life a little easier?

www.AutismParentingMagazine.com

A Buying Guide to Finding Large Diapers, Pull-Ups and Youth

Pants

It can be a challenge finding diapers, pull-ups and youth pants for

older children as they aren’t typically stocked in your local grocery

or big box store. Once your child graduates to “big sizes” (over

size 6), you may need to use a medical supply store or an online

medical supply retailer to special order diapers. In addition to

using the words ‘large diapers’ in your search, try adding the word

‘incontinence.” Many companies don’t use the word ‘diaper’ once

a certain size is reaches and they are commonly referred to as

‘pull-ups’ or ‘youth pants.’

Diapers, Youth Pants and Pull Ups Highly-Rated by Parents

It can be a challenge to find those ‘in-between’ sizes for children

still in need of daytime and/or nighttime protection as they are

often too big for many typical baby diapers but then still too small

for adult-sized protection. It may be worth checking out the cost

and quality of store/pharmacy-brand products. Here are several

name-brand products parents of children on the spectrum have

used with success. Some websites offer excellent discounts and

even free shipping on bulk orders so be sure to do a little research.

Some of the links below are amazon affiliate links so if you buy

through these links Autism Parenting Magazine will receive a

commission.

Cuties® Up to size 6 – 35+ lbs

Cottony soft outer cover

Soft stretchable waist and side panels

Excellent leakage protection

Hypoallergenic – extra soft inner liner with organic botanicals,

vitamin E and aloe

Seventh GenerationTM Diapers Up to size 6 – 35+ lbs

Premium absorbency

Totally free from chlorine processing

Hypoallergenic

Free of fragrance, inks and petroleum-based lotions

Snug, flexible fit

Pampers Cruisers® Diapers Up to size 7 – 41+ lbs

3-way fit adapts at the waist, legs, and bottom

Up to 12 hours of overnight protection with some sizes

3 layers of absorbency versus only 2 in ordinary diapers

Pampers UnderJams® Absorbent Nightwear Up to size L-XL – 58-85 lbs

Quiet, cloth-like material

Designed to be like underwear to let skin breathe

Race Car Diapers for Big Kids and Teens Up to 3X – 48-50 lbs

Ideal for boys ages 8 to 18 years old

Super absorbent polymer SAP that locks in wetness is used and

extends outward as well as into the sides of the brief

Along with the combination of elastic leg gathers and leak guards,

the Race Car Diaper provides the best protection one can find in a

youth disposable brief market today

Attends® Youth Pull-Ups Sizes Youth/Small Adult to Adult XL – Youth/Small Adult fits

waist size 22″-36″ – 80-125 lbs

Super absorbent polymer channel

Helps prevent odors

Breathability with air flow material to keep skin dry

Discreet packaging

EZ SOX® Training Underwear Up to size 4-5 years – 36-46 lbs

Tag-free

Embroidered oval handles sewn into our super soft wide waist

band that allow for an easy grip

95% Cotton, 5% Spandex

GoodNites® Underwear

Up to size L/XL – 60-125 lbs.

40% more absorbent than training pants

Zoned protection for boys and girls

Super stretchy sides fit many body shapes and sizes

Prevail® Extra Absorbency Underwear Sizes Youth/Small Adult to Adult 2X Large – Youth/Small Adult

fits waist size 20″-34″

Discreet absorbent protection

Locks in moisture fast for added leakage protection and odor

control

Silky-soft outer fabric is softer and more comfortable

Ventilated waist panels allows air to pass through to reduce heat

build-up and promote healthy skin

Curity® Youth Pants Night and Day (formerly called Curity

Sleep Pants) Up to size XL – 85 to 125 pounds; absorbency: 15 oz.

Ideal for youths who have outgrown toddler training pants or need

heavier protection

Feature a tear-away side seam on the waistband for quick and easy

garment changes.

Tranquility All Through the Night (ATNTM) Disposable

Incontinence Brief Sizes Youth XS Youth fits waist size waist/hip size of 18″- 26″

Highly absorbent

High capacity for holding urine

Guarantees skin dryness

Neutralizes urine – inhibits bacterial growth

Capacity is 18.5 oz of urine in the youth size

Cloth like backing

Latex free

FuzziBunz® (cloth reusable diapers) Up to size L – 45+ lbs

Placement of snaps allows for customizable fit

Best choice for ease of use with daycare and other care givers

Durable fabric makes for easy wash and wear

1 year warranty

Medical Supply Retailers

You may find better prices on larger diapers, pull-ups and youth

pants through a medical supply retailer. As previously stated, some

insurance companies and Medicaid may require the diapers come

from a specific retailer, so keep that in mind.

Here are a few medical supply retailers families with children on

the spectrum have recommended:

The Medical Supply Group

http://www.medicalsupplygroup.com/c-888-child-protective-

underwear-pull-ups.aspx

Discount Medical Supplies

http://www.discountmedicalsupplies.com/store/incontinence/ch

ildren-pull-ups-diapers.html

Cristia Medical Supply

http://www.cristiamedicalsupply.com/incontinence-s/224.htm

Maybe your child is like Alexander and needs a little extra time

before he/she is potty trained. Children on the spectrum are often

slower to reach milestones, making it necessary to wear for

diapers, pull-ups or youth pants for an extended number of years.

Why Do Some ASD Children Take Longer to Potty Train?

There are myriad reasons children on the spectrum often remain in

diapers, pull-ups and youth pants longer than their neurotypical

peers. Sometimes it’s a developmental delay and the child is not

able to recognize he/she has to go potty or maybe the child doesn’t

have the adequate skills to maneuver clothing in time to use a

toilet. Children with communication challenges are less likely to

be able to tell someone else he/she has to go to the bathroom.

Those children who take medication with sleepy side effects may

also find it difficult to wake up in time to go to the bathroom. And

children with severe autism often don’t have the cognitive and

motor skills to use a toilet — making the task that much more

difficult to master.

It’s important to remember every child has different abilities and

will develop at his/her own pace. Your child may need to use

diapers or pull-ups for a little bit longer than others. And once

potty-trained, sometimes some protection is still needed overnight.

With the costs averaging hundreds of dollars per month, it’s

important to find an excellent source for well-priced diapers and

pull-ups and perhaps some financial assistance.

How to I Find Financial Assistance?

As you probably know by now, diapers and pull-ups are costly,

especially when needed long-term. First, talk to your child’s doctor

about your options as a great number of children on the spectrum

qualify for some financial assistance for medically-needed supplies

and equipment.

Medicaid

If your child is eligible and enrolled in publically-financed medical

services such as Medicaid, he/she is likely covered by a provision

called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

(EPSDT). Every state plan is required to make certain services

available to all children from birth through age 21 and this

program ensures children not only receive a diagnosis, but

appropriate treatment. This includes medically necessary supplies

and equipment, so if a child is diagnosed with incontinence, this

usually includes diapers for children beginning at age three with a

prescription from a doctor. If your state denies your request for

diapers for some reason, you can appeal the decision as they are

required to comply as indicated by 42 CFR section 440.70 under

Home Health Services.

Remember, the rules governing states differ, with some states

permitting coverage before three years old if there is a medical

diagnosis while others make families wait until a child is a bit

older.

It’s also important to point out that states also vary in which diaper

or pull-up brands they will cover with some restricting coverage to

only certain brands. Unfortunately, not all states will pay for pull-

ups. Request information from your particular state and talk to

your child’s doctor and a Medicaid representative to ensure you

can make the most of on your options. You may need to use the

phrase, ‘disposable incontinent supplies’ when researching or

applying for assistance.

Private Insurance

Private insurance plans are not required to provide comprehensive

benefits and many do not cover diapers or other incontinence

supplies. Some insurance companies, however, will cover a

portion or the full-price of diapers, pull-ups and youth pants for

children with special needs because they are a necessity. It is

worthwhile to find a vendor who will attempt to bill your private

insurance, because you may be surprised to find the supplies

approved. There have been incidences where a private insurance

company has sent out a denial letter stating the policy did not cover

incontinence supplies and then when the insurance company was

billed for the supplies under standard medical supply codes, the

bills were paid.

It’s important to keep your receipts because you may need to pay

for diapers and/or pull-ups upfront and then be reimbursed from

your insurance company. Most companies require a letter from the

doctor explaining the requirement as well as a prescription for

disposable incontinent supplies. Always call your insurance

company to check what they specifically require.

By Amy KD Tobik

This article is posted at http://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/finding-well-priced-big-kid-diaper-protection-that-fits/