Advice needed!

Hi All,

Our 3 year old son was diagnosed with Autism a couple of weeks ago. He has struggled with toilet training and is definitely improving but he seems to have a fear of having a number 2! He holds it in for days at a time, sometimes a week. I know this is common. But for the past few weeks everytime he has a poo he throws up, every time. I'm not sure if it is anxiety related, He doesn't do it at the thought of going it's when he actually goes, if that makes sense? Has anyone had this issue?

Any help or advice would be great, I'm wondering if a trip to the docs is needed.

Tia 

  • Hi Pentadactyl, Thanks for your response. 

    I don't think it's a case of being scared of the toilet as he is fine having a wee and always flushes the toilet himself. (He insists he has to flush it) I think he holds it in as it hurts to go where he is constipated. I'm just at a loss to why it makes him throw up?! I have an older son who went through holding it in while toilet training but he was never sick when he went. I think you are right, We need to have a visit to the gp and rule out any health issue. Maybe if they can give him something to soften the stools it might help? 

  • Hi Jacqm,

    I would suggest a visit to your GP, a walk in centre or even A&E if you are at all concerned. This will help rule out anything like a bacterial/viral infection or anything else untoward (and don't feel that you're wasting your doctor's time, it is much better to be safe with your child's health).

    After you have been to the doctor (or applicable), and they have confirmed no underlying conditions, here are a few suggestions:

    Is he scared of being scolded (e.g. has he been too heavily scolded for defecating in his nappy or on the floor rather than the toilet, or been told he is not allowed to use his nappy)? It might be worth going back to nappies for a month or so and then slowly trying again - make sure to be supportive.

    Is he scared of the toilet (e.g. the noise it makes, falling in, its appearence)? What could stop this - make it a game? perhaps allow him to flush the toilet in your presence and flush some items down the toilet? Get a larger safety seat? check that the lid can't fall on him (get a lid-stay)?

    Is he uncomfortable defecating around others? Not sure what to do about this one.

    Of course, it could be just as likely that he doesn't want to defecate as he knows it will cause him to vomit. This is something that would require further investigaiton by your GP.