Paediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) are increasingly recognised as more than isolated bladder issues, with growing evidence highlighting strong links between continence concerns and underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions. As understanding of these connections evolves, clinicians are being challenged to rethink traditional approaches to assessment and management.
This webinar will explore the emerging neurocentric model of paediatric continence care, examining the relationships between conditions such as anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and paediatric Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (PLUTD). Participants will gain insight into how these broader neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities can influence bladder function and contribute to persistent or treatment-resistant symptoms.
Drawing on current evidence and clinical experience, the session will discuss practical strategies for implementing a multidisciplinary, neuro-informed approach to care. Attendees will learn how evidence-based urotherapy, behavioural interventions, and pharmacological management can be integrated to improve outcomes and enhance the care of children living with lower urinary tract symptoms.
About the presenter
Dr Israel Franco, MD, is a board-certified paediatric urologist with over 36 years of clinical experience specializing in paediatric neurourology and the management of voiding dysfunction and neurogenic bladder. After completing his fellowship training at Children’s Memorial Hospital (now the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago), he has established himself as an internationally respected expert in paediatric continence, neurourology, and minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Franco has served as Treasurer and a Board Member of the International Children’s Continence Society, was the director of the Yale Medicine Children’s Bladder and continence program for 7 years. A prolific researcher and educator, he has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and numerous textbook chapters.
Dr. Franco’s work has fundamentally shifted the clinical paradigm for managing voiding issues in children, moving from a traditional vesicocentric approach to a more effective, neurocentric one. This shift in perspective has redefined treatment methodologies, particularly for refractory patients, and continues to influence best practices in paediatric urology globally.
Learning outcomes
- Identify and explain the strong associations between neuropsychiatric disorders (such as anxiety, ADHD and ASD) and paediatric Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (PLUTD), recognising that Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms are frequently manifestations of broader neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities.
- Apply a neurocentric, multidisciplinary management approach – transitioning away from traditional vesicocentric paradigms – to optimise patient outcomes through evidence-based urotherapy, behavioural modification, and neuro-informed pharmacologic interventions.
Cost
Paediatric Special Interest Group: $0
Member of Continence Health Australia: $20
International ICS/ICCS Member: $20
Non-member: $40
