33 | Diaper Digging, Incontinence & Supportive Solutions | Cindy Seifert

Some caregiving challenges are talked about often. Others stay hidden because families feel embarrassed, isolated, or unsure where to turn. Diaper digging is one of those topics. It can be stressful, messy, emotionally draining, and difficult to explain to others, especially when families are already juggling autism, incontinence, sensory needs, and safety concerns.

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Cindy Seifert, founder of Prevent-A-Wear, about her experience parenting her daughter Kyla and navigating years of diaper digging, fecal smearing, clothing removal, and incontinence-related challenges. Cindy shares how these behaviors affected daily life and how her search for help eventually led her to create practical clothing solutions for other families facing similar struggles.

This is a real, honest conversation for parents and caregivers who may need support around a topic that often stays in the shadows.

Listen to the Full Episode

Listen to this episode for a compassionate conversation about diaper digging, incontinence, caregiver stress, sensory considerations, and practical solutions that may help families feel less alone.

Memorable Quote

“I really do hope that I reach people and they’re going to listen to this and they’re going to be like, wow, there’s help out there.”

In This Episode We Discuss

• Cindy’s story as a parent of an autistic adult daughter with epilepsy

• How diaper digging began in early childhood

• The emotional and practical impact of fecal smearing and disrobing

• Why many families feel too embarrassed to talk about these behaviors

• How Cindy created Prevent-A-Wear after not finding help online

• What kinds of clothing products are now available through her company

• Sensory possibilities related to diaper digging and incontinence

• How product design can support dignity, comfort, and caregiver relief

Key Themes From the Conversation

Some of the hardest challenges are the least discussed

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that families are often dealing with very real, very difficult behaviors that do not get talked about enough. Diaper digging and fecal smearing can create enormous stress, but many caregivers keep it private because of shame, stigma, or fear of judgment.

Parents often become problem-solvers out of necessity

Cindy’s story is a powerful example of what happens when families cannot find the support they need. She eventually taught herself how to sew and created clothing that helped reduce diaper digging and stripping for her daughter. That kind of problem-solving comes from lived experience and deep determination.

Practical support can make a huge difference

Not every solution has to be clinical or complicated. Sometimes families need a practical tool that works in daily life. This episode highlights how clothing design, sensory comfort, and easy-to-clean supports can reduce stress for both the individual and the caregiver.

Sensory needs may still be part of the picture

While this episode is focused on practical solutions, it also touches on the possibility that some diaper digging behaviors may be sensory-related. For some individuals, smell, texture, routine, or body awareness may all be part of what is going on. Understanding that possibility can help families think with more compassion and less blame.

Common Questions Parents Ask

Why would a child or adult engage in diaper digging?

There can be different reasons, including sensory-seeking, discomfort, habit, body awareness, or other regulation-related factors. Sometimes the behavior is not easy to fully explain, but that does not make it less real or less important to address.

What if I feel embarrassed talking about this with professionals or family members?

That reaction is very common. But families deserve support for all the real challenges they are facing, even the ones that feel messy or taboo. Talking about it can be the first step toward finding relief.

Can practical products really help with these behaviors?

For some families, yes. A supportive clothing solution may help reduce access, increase dignity, and create less stress around incontinence and stripping behaviors. It may not solve every piece of the issue, but it can be an important part of support.

Why This Conversation Matters for Families

This episode matters because it speaks directly to a challenge many families are living with in silence. Caregiving is already demanding, and behaviors related to incontinence can add another layer of exhaustion and emotional strain. Hearing another parent talk openly about it can reduce shame and help families feel less isolated.

It also shows that support can come in different forms. Sometimes a family needs therapy or medical input. Sometimes they also need practical tools that make everyday life more manageable. Both can matter.

Resources Mentioned

• Prevent-A-Wear

• PreventAware.com

• Prevent-A-Wear Facebook page

• Specialized clothing for incontinence and stripping prevention

• Waterproof wheelchair pads, bibs, couch covers, and sheets

About the Guest

Cindy Seifert is the founder of Prevent-A-Wear and the mother of an autistic adult daughter with epilepsy and high support needs. She created her business after years of personal caregiving experience with diaper digging, incontinence, and clothing-related challenges.

Related Resources for Parents

If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy these resources:

• Home-Based Therapy: 5 Benefits of In-Home Pediatric Care for Children with Disabilities

• Positive Behavior Strategies for Neurodivergent Children at Home and School

• Sensory Processing 101: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs

• Caring for the Caregiver: Self-Care Tips for Parents of Kids with Special Needs

Explore more parent resources at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com/blog