# Continuity of User-Centered Design of a Proactive RF-Based Wearable Bladder Monitor for Toilet Training of Children with ASD/IDD

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 2024 · $98,378

## Abstract

Project Abstract
Urinary incontinence (UI) and difficulties with toilet training are significant and common challenges faced by children
and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For these
individuals, toileting problems can result in slower progress and lower overall success rates with toilet training compared
to their neurotypical same-aged peers, and a substantial negative impact on their independence and ability to participate in
educational and community settings. Unfortunately for many, these difficulties with incontinence can continue into
adulthood, creating physical and psychological quality of life barriers, such as physical discomfort, social isolation,
improper hygiene, and lowered self-confidence and independence. The available support tools for children struggling with
toilet training have not advanced significantly in decades, and there is an urgent need for approaches to help these
individuals achieve long-term successful toileting. In this work, a technological support tool will provide a proactive
solution to help with toilet training. By proactively alerting before an accident occurs, it is expected that the use will be
able to learn to recognize and attend to the sensation that triggers the alert. Further, a proactive response will reduce
accident risk, minimize associated embarrassment from accidents, and decrease the likelihood of developing toileting
averse behaviors. The project takes a multi-disciplinary approach, combining expertise from Electrical Engineering and
Special Education, in order to tackle two key aims. The first aim is to identify the highly population-dependent set of
needs and constraints for an ideal toileting support tool through engagement with key stakeholders (i.e., parents and
caregivers of children with ASD/IDD, care providers, educators, and clinical professionals) through focus groups and
survey-based questionnaires. The second aim is to design, implement, and pilot test a user-centered bladder monitor that
aims to uniquely provide a support tool to proactively alert of bladder fullness and support dignity and independence for
children and young adults with ASD/IDD and others suffering from UI. Built based on radiofrequency (RF)-based
technology, the bladder monitor is non-invasive and enables real-time, safe, and continuous measurement and monitoring
of the bladder state through a sensor array that is flexible, discreet, and wireless. The resulting monitor will meet the
diverse needs of this population and will be the first tool ever to provide a proactive alert when the bladder is approaching
full to support toilet training and avoid accidents. Initial validation testing will be conducted through electromagnetic
computational simulations and experimental demonstrations, followed by pilot testing with stakeholders to establish real
world feasibility and social validity, with expanded behavioral studies in individuals with ASD/ID...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11129241
- **Project number:** 3R21NR020653-01A1S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Laura Estep
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $98,378
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2024-09-12 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11129241

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11129241, Continuity of User-Centered Design of a Proactive RF-Based Wearable Bladder Monitor for Toilet Training of Children with ASD/IDD (3R21NR020653-01A1S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11129241. Licensed CC0.

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