Let’s Talk: Pediatric Pelvic Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

You Have the Floor

Dr. Lori Mize, Chief Education Officer for the PHreedom Foundation for Pelvic Health, welcomes guests Mallory Burton and Dr. Whitney Bartley to the You Have the Floor podcast to discuss Pediatric Pelvic Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Mallory is a stay-at-home mom whose son Joseph has autism. She has been extensively involved in non-profit work supporting families who have children with special needs. Dr. Bartley is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who developed the first Pediatric Pelvic Health program in Arkansas and is involved with the American Physical Therapy Association's Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She writes and teaches coursework in Pediatric Pelvic Health.
From the struggles of potty training to the complexities of gastrointestinal issues, Mallory shares her personal journey with her son Joseph, while Dr. Bartley provides expert insights on the connection between Autism and Pelvic Health. We dive into the behavioral components, sensory dysregulation, and the crucial role of professional intervention in helping children and their families find relief and enhanced quality of life. Learn how a simple schedule change dramatically improved Joseph's symptoms and transformed their lives.
As we wrap up this enlightening conversation, we emphasize the importance of compassion, acceptance, and advocating for the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Whether you're a healthcare provider or a parent seeking guidance, this episode offers invaluable insights and resources to help improve the lives of children with Autism and their families. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from Dr. Mize, Dr. Bartley, and Mallory's personal experiences and expertise in Pediatric Pelvic Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Reference Material

Physical Therapy for Fecal Incontinence in Children with Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia
https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(17)30924-1/fulltext
Identifying Associations Among Co-Occurring Medical Conditions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
https://www.academicpedsjnl.net/article/S1876-2859(18)30456-X/fulltext
The role of food selectivity in the association between child autistic traits and constipation
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/eat.23485
Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8608248/
Overall severities of gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric outpatients with and without autism spectrum disorder
https://sci-hub.se/10.1177/1362361318757564
Management of Constipation in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.2012-0900H
Behavioral Treatment of Bedwetting in an Adolescent with Autism https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10882-012-9308-y
The information provided in this podcast is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Any concerns about your health or the health of your family should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Reach out to us. Tell us your story. Share a recent conversation.
[e-mail]
PHreedom from Within. The Floor is Yours!

Chapters

1. Let’s Talk! Pediatric Pelvic Health and ASD: A Discussion with Mallory Burton and Dr. Whitney Bartley (00:00:00)

2. Dr. Whitney Bartley: Exploring the Need for Pediatric Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (00:03:54)

3. Pioneering in Arkansas: Celebrating Ten Years of the Pediatric Pelvic Health Program, April being Autism Awareness Month (00:05:29)

4. “Put Him on a Schedule”: The Impact of These Words (00:07:14)

5. Heading: The Impact of Pelvic Health Conditions on Behavior and Quality of Life (00:11:31)

6. Breaking it Down: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders and Pediatric Pelvic Health Components (00:15:26)

7. Quality of Life and Your Family: Pelvic Health Considerations for Children with Autism (00:20:14)

8. Pediatric Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: Addressing Constipation, Urinary Incontinence, and Fecal Incontinence in Children (00:24:28)

9. Exploring Strategies to Support Children with Autism: A Discussion on Behavioral Interventions, Fluid Intake, and Fiber Recommendations (00:31:00)

10. Bowel and Bladder Considerations for Children with Autism (00:34:46)

11. Investigating the Role of GI Motility in Autistic Children's Nutrition and Hormonal Dysregulation (00:41:00)

12. Should I Ask My Child to Pee Before Leaving the House? (00:49:28)

13. Conversation with Mallory: Learning Compassion, Boldness, and Resilience, Learning from Her Son (00:59:52)

14. Final Parting Thoughts on the Future of Autism Awareness and Pediatric Pelvic Health (01:02:54)