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Advice for an embarrassing issue

NAS80991

Hi,

My son got diagnosed with Autism aged 4, and we have worked hard with the school and at home to help him cope with the ups and downs of things.

Most of the time he's fairly settled and school have been amazing with him.

He does however suffer from a soiling issue (number 2), this normally happens when things are a bit more free reign ie in after-school club or when he is engrossed in an activity.

We have had many conversations with him about the issue, I know he is embarrassed as he often denies it and tries to cover it up by changing his pants and cleaning himself up.

I honestly think he doesnt realise it is happening, as he rarely goes to the toilet for a number 2 of his own accord.  We have tried to prompt and encourage him to go at break and lunch time at school.

I think some of it is anxiety related too, as a change in routine or something happening out of the blue can also trigger it.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar thing and if they could offer any advice on things that could help.

Thanks in advance.

Parents

  • No, can't say it was an issue for me as a kid, but I gather some autistic kids struggle to recognise the body signal to go. 

    I guess it's the old interoception thing, not recognising emotional states as they happen or hunger, thirst, temperature, wee or, in this case, poo triggers. I miss hunger triggers a lot.

    It does of course get worse under stress or when engrossed in something. 

    This won't go on forever. He will get the hang of it. I guess the trick is to teach him to recognise when he needs to go without making him feel bad for the times he didn't quite manage that. Maybe have a discussion about how the urge to go should feel and whether he can tell when he's experiencing that feeling.

    Bless him, he's trying to clean up himself...ahh  poor love.

Reply

  • No, can't say it was an issue for me as a kid, but I gather some autistic kids struggle to recognise the body signal to go. 

    I guess it's the old interoception thing, not recognising emotional states as they happen or hunger, thirst, temperature, wee or, in this case, poo triggers. I miss hunger triggers a lot.

    It does of course get worse under stress or when engrossed in something. 

    This won't go on forever. He will get the hang of it. I guess the trick is to teach him to recognise when he needs to go without making him feel bad for the times he didn't quite manage that. Maybe have a discussion about how the urge to go should feel and whether he can tell when he's experiencing that feeling.

    Bless him, he's trying to clean up himself...ahh  poor love.

Children
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