Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect communication, sensory processing, anxiety levels and responses to change. Individuals may experience sensory sensitivities (sound, touch, smell, temperature), a strong preference for routine and predictability and differences in motor planning or understanding multi-step tasks.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) says more than 1 in 100 people are autistic and currently there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Toileting can be impacted by sensory discomfort, anxiety, difficulty tolerating unfamiliar environments and challenges with sequencing or interoception (recognising body signals). The right toileting setup can reduce distress, improve tolerance and support independence and dignity.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Sensory sensitivities: Toilet noise, fan sounds, flushing, echoing rooms, cold surfaces, water temperature, smells can all be overwhelming

Anxiety and unpredictability: Fear of accidents, unfamiliar bathrooms or uncertainty about what happens next can increase distress and avoidance

Difficulty with change in routine/environment: New equipment, different bathrooms or altered layouts may reduce confidence and increase refusal

Motor planning/sequencing difficulties: Multi-step routines (positioning, wiping, flushing, washing hands) may be hard to organise, especially under stress

Interoception differences: Some individuals may not recognise (or may recognise too late) the need to use the toilet, contributing to urgency or accidents

Need for privacy and control: Feeling rushed or observed can escalate distress and reduce cooperation

Impacts:

Avoidance or delayed toileting

Can increase constipation, discomfort, accidents and distress

Reduced dignity and confidence

Accidents or reliance on support can affect self-esteem

Increased carer involvement

Without adaptation, carers may spend significant time supporting prompting, reassurance and hygiene

Escalation and behavioural distress

Toileting can become associated with fear or discomfort, making routines harder to maintain

How our products help those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

FEATURE	WHY IT HELPS
Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet	Provides improved hygiene, comfort and independence with integrated washing and drying functions, reducing the need for assistance and supporting accessibility.
Adult standard seat	Provides a safe and comfortable seating surface for toileting, supporting everyday hygiene and independence.
Touch sensitive hand/foot switch	Makes it easier to recognise and use without complex instructions
(Infrared) Remote control	Enables carers to initiate wash and dry function discreetly if individual can no longer manage
Douche (standard)	Supports personal hygiene and cleanliness, helping users maintain independence and comfort during toileting.

Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with a teal wall

Priority specification

Foundational

The Closomat Palma Vita, with a touch sensitive hand/foot switch

Moderate

Carer operated controls – infrared remote control

Sample specification wording

The individual has Autism Spectrum Disorder with sensory sensitivities and anxiety around toileting routines, particularly in response to unpredictable sensations, noise and multi-step tasks. This impacts their ability to tolerate toileting, maintain hygiene consistently, and complete the routine independently without distress.

A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet will promote consistent, reliable hygiene and reduce the risk of infection or skin irritation that can result from inadequate wiping. By providing an effective wash and dry function and predictable toileting routine, the Closomat reduces reliance on carer assistance for prompting, freeing up carer time to support the individual with other areas of daily living.

Supplying the unit with a touch sensitive hand/foot switch supports independent use. Together this provides a dignified, consistent solution that reduces distress and supports independence throughout the individual’s life.

Final checks

Confirm the individuals’ sensory profile: noise, water/air temperature to adjust settings accordingly

Position controls for a simple, repeatable access

Review bathroom environment - lighting levels, echo/noise, odours and clutter

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the recommended features and clinical justification.

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