Bladder and Bowel Functions, Participation and Quality of Life in Children With Intellectual Disabilities

Many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and medical disorders are commonly associated with intellectual disability. The presence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric (NDP) comorbidities has been reported to negatively impact the clinical outcomes of bowel or bladder dysfunction. Pediatric bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is a common but underdiagnosed condition characterized by a spectrum of lower urinary tract symptoms and is often associated with constipation. Lower urinary tract symptoms include dysuria, urinary urgency, daytime incontinence, and enuresis, while bowel symptoms include constipation and encopresis. Most BBD cases are functional and not neurogenic in origin. In children with special needs, all types of urinary incontinence are reported to occur more frequently compared to children without developmental or behavioral disabilities. Intellectual disability (IQ \

Inclusion Criteria: For Children with Intellectual Disabilities: * Aged between 5 and 12 years * Diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe intellectual disability as documented by the ÇÖZGER (Child Special Needs Report) * Both the parent and the child agree to participate in the study For Typically Developing Children * Aged between 5 and 12 years * Both the parent and the child agree to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: For Children with Intellectual Disabilities: * Having a diagnosis of physical disability * Presence of a neurological anomaly affecting bladder and bowel functions * Parent does not consent to participate in the study * Having undergone trauma or surgery affecting bladder and bowel functions within the last 6 months * Diagnosis of a genetic disorder * Use of medications that may affect bladder and bowel functions For Typically Developing Children * Presence of a neurological anomaly affecting bladder and bowel functions * Lack of parental consent to participate in the study * Having experienced trauma or undergone surgery affecting bladder and bowel functions within the past 6 months * Use of medications that may influence bladder and bowel functions