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At 8, it's past time to see a doctor or therapist. They will be your best bet.

I say this with love, he’s 8 and he should be not be in pull-ups anymore. I would talk with your dr. Try using reward systems and start slow. Try different types of underwear/boxers. He may find he likes certain fabrics.

I’ve tried all of that but thanks no hard feelings taken xo

Tell me something I don’t know and never tried

Don’t get upset when I say this, but is there a possibility of SA? In the past or possibly at school? If not then maybe your son is doing it out of comfort, possible sensory issues? I know you said you’ve tried therapy but I doubt anyone in here could give you better advice than a therapist to really find the reason.

Is he autistic or adhd? My 8 year old has both. He didn't care about wearing night time pull-ups until this past fall. We took them away before Christmas and we hoped to have it down by now, but we still need to wake him up before midnight for an extra bathroom break. If he doesn't have either of those dx then there is something much deeper going on, and he needs professional help ASAP. And that's ok. Please don't let your embarrassment or shame prevent your child from receiving the intervention that they need.

Never tried these…but they popped into my head.

If it is a sensory thing about the underwear vs the pull-up, I wonder if you put a feminine pad in the underwear?? Maybe he can slowly transition to underwear but still have the sensory feel of the synthetic absorbency layer. Maybe that could slowly transition down to less absorbency and even panty liners.

That or swim trunks with the built in tight undershorts. Could possibly feel like more fabric support especially in the waistband. Or maybe wearing a sports cup with underwear could help him feel less naked.

Maybe also try him sleeping naked or in something loose like boxers. That way putting on underwear would feel tighter and like more support in contrast to the boxer/naked feel.

Never tried these or heard of them before…just spitballing things that came to mind.

Yes, an 8-year-old relying on pull-ups for bowel movements is a concern, often linked to encopresis (soiling) or chronic constipation. It is frequently caused by a cycle of painful pooping, leading to avoidance and accidental seepage. This behavior, while frustrating, is rarely just stubbornness and often requires pediatric medical guidance.Not necessarily a therapist.
Potential Underlying Causes & Issues:
Chronic Constipation/Encopresis: The child may have experienced painful bowel movements, causing them to fear the toilet and hold in poop, which then hardens and causes leakage.
Sensory or Behavioral Issues: Some children, including those with autism or ADHD, may have sensory preferences or anxiety regarding the feeling of sitting on a toilet.
Postural/Physical Weakness: A child may struggle with the core strength or endurance needed to sit on a toilet for a long period, making the pull-up a more stable, comfortable option....

I’m sorry I don’t have advice , I’m stuck with my 9year old being such a deep sleeper she wears pull ups at night . I’ve tried EVERYTHING except the pills that retain urine . I understand to a degree what your feeling