Find Big Kid Diapers and Pull-Ups for Your Child With Autism

Alexander, six years old, was diagnosed with moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a few years ago.

He has spent years trying to potty-train him. But he’s not quite there. His parents have thought he had been potty-trained several times, but then he regressed.

Alexander’s parents feel frustrated because of the additional stress that comes with not reaching this milestone, and by the cost of diapers for big kids when their budget is already tight. What can be done to make their lives a bit easier? 

Potty-training an autistic child takes a bit more time. The children on the autism spectrum often take longer to reach their milestones. This means that they may need to wear pull-ups, big kid diapers or youth pants.

Why do some ASD children take longer to potty train?

There are many reasons why children with autism remain in pull-ups, diapers and youth pants for longer than their neurotypical counterparts. It could be a developmental issue, where the child does not recognize that he/she needs to go to the toilet or lacks the skills to do so.

Children who have communication difficulties are less likely than others to be able to tell another person that they need to use the bathroom. Children who are taking medication that has sleepy side effects may find it hard to wake up and go to the toilet. The cognitive and motor skills of children with severe Autism are often not sufficient to be able to use the toilet.

Remember that every child is different and develops at their own pace. Your child may need to wear big kid diapers, or pull-ups, for a bit longer than other children. Once potty trained, some protection may still be needed overnight. It’s vital to find a reliable source of high-quality big kid pull-ups or diapers at a reasonable price.

What Financial Aid is Available?

You probably already know that diapers and pull-ups can be expensive, especially if they are needed for a long time. Talk to your doctor about the options available. Many children with autism qualify for financial aid for equipment and supplies.

Private Insurance

Many private insurance plans do not provide comprehensive coverage and don’t cover diapers, or incontinence products. Some insurance companies will pay a part or even the entire price of diapers, youth pants, and pull-ups for children who have special needs. You should find a vendor that will bill your private insurance. You may be surprised at the approval.

In some cases, a private insurer has sent a letter of denial stating that the policy does not cover incontinence products. However, when the company is billed under standard medical codes for the supplies, the bills are paid. Keep your receipts, as you may have to pay upfront for diapers or pull-ups before your insurance reimburses you.

The majority of companies will require a doctor’s letter explaining the need as well as a prescription to purchase disposable incontinent supplies. Call your insurance provider to find out what is required.

Medicaid

If your child has been enrolled and is eligible for medical services, such as Medicaid or other publically funded health care, he/she will likely be covered by a program called Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT). All state plans are required to provide certain services to children between the ages of birth and 21. This program ensures that children receive not only a diagnosis but also appropriate treatment.

If your state denies you diapers, for whatever reason, you can appeal the decision. You can appeal if your state refuses your request for diapers. 42 CFR section 440.70, under Home Health Services, states that they must comply with your request.

State rules vary. Some states allow coverage for children as young as three years of age if they have a diagnosis, while others require families to wait until the child is older. Some states only cover certain brands of diapers or pull-ups. Unfortunately, some states do not cover pull-ups.

Ask for information and speak to your state Medicaid representative and your child’s physician to make sure you are making the most out of your options. When researching or applying to receive assistance, you may have to use the phrase ‘disposable supplies for incontinence’.

Find large diapers, pull-ups and youth pants with this buying guide

You may have a difficult time finding pull-ups, big kid diapers or youth pants in your local big box store. If your child has graduated to the “big sizes” (over 6), it may be necessary to order diapers from a medical store or online retailer.

You can also add the word “incontinence” to your search. Many companies do not use the term “diaper” once they reach a certain size and call them ‘pull-ups’ or youth pants’.

Parents love the Big Kid Diapers and Youth Pants, as well as Pull-Ups.

Finding the ‘in-between’ sizes can be difficult for children who still need protection for daytime or nighttime. They are too large for most typical baby diapers, but too small for adult-sized protection. You may want to compare the price and quality of products from store/pharmacy brands.

Here are some products that parents with children who have autism have successfully used. Do some research to find websites that offer great discounts or even free shipping for bulk orders. If you purchase through the links below, Autism Parenting Magazine receives a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Pampers (r) Diapers

• Size 7 and above – up to 41 lbs
• The 3-way fit adjusts the waist, legs and bottom
• Some sizes offer up to 12 hours of protection at night.
• Three layers of absorbency instead of only two in regular diapers

GoodNites(r) Underwear

• Size L/XL: 60-125 lbs.
• Training pants are 40% more absorbent.
• Protection zones for girls and boys
• Stretchy sides for all body types

Cuties(r)

• Size 6 and up – 35+ lbs
• The cottony soft outer cover
• Soft stretchable side and waist panels
• Leakage protection that is second to none
• Extra soft inner liner made with organic botanicals and vitamin E.

Pampers UnderJams(r) Absorbent Nightwear

• Sizes L-XL: 58-85 lbs
• Quiet, cloth-like material
• The underwear-like design allows the skin to breathe

Youth Pull-Ups

• Sizes: Youth/Small adult to Adult XL. Youth/Small adult fits waist sizes 22″-36″ – 80-125lbs
• Super absorbent polymer channel
• Helps prevent odors
• Skin is kept dry by a material that breathes and moves air.
• Discreet packaging

EZ SOX(r) Training Underwear

• Size 4-5 years 36-46 lbs
• Tag-free
• Our super wide waistband has oval handles embroidered into it that are sewn in to allow for a comfortable grip.
• 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex

Disposable Incontinence Brief

• Youth XS Youth Fits Waist/Hip Size of 18″-26″
• Highly absorbent
• High capacity to hold urine
• Guarantees skin dryness
• Neutralizes urine and inhibits bacterial growth
• The youth size has a capacity of 18.5 oz.
• Cloth-like backing
• Latex-free

Prevail(r) Extra Absorbency Underwear

• Sizes: Youth/Small adult to Adult 2X large – Youth/Small adult fits waist sizes 20”-34″‘
• Discreet absorbent protection
• It locks in moisture quickly for additional leakage protection.
• The silky soft outer fabric is more comfortable and softer
• Air can pass through the panels to promote healthy skin and reduce heat.

Curity(r), Youth Pants Night & Day (formerly known as Curity Sleep Pants).

• Size XL: 85-125 pounds. Absorbency 15 oz.
• The perfect fit for children who have outgrown their toddler training pants, or need more protection.
• The waistband has a side seam that can be easily removed for easy and quick garment changes.

Seventh Generation ^TM Diapers

• Size 6 and up – 35+ lbs
• Premium absorbency
• No chlorine was used in the processing
• Hypoallergenic
• Inks, lotions and fragrance-free inks
• Fit snug and flexible

FuzziBunz (r) (cloth reusable Diapers)

• Size L and above – 45+ lbs
• Snaps are placed in a way that allows for an adjustable fit
• The best choice for daycares and other caregivers.
• Easy-to-wash fabric
• One-year warranty

Medical Supplies Retailers

A medical supply retailer may offer better prices for larger diapers, youth pants and pull-ups. Keep in mind that some insurance companies, such as Medicaid, may insist on diapers coming from a particular retailer.