Is he making himself sick deliberately - if so, how?

[NotOnUrNelly]

I was wondering if anyone had experience of a child managing to make himself sick without swallowing anything (like baking soda) and without putting anything (fingers etc) in his mouth. The doctor says it is highly unlikely.The school is convinced that he CAN...
As you've probably guessed by now he is being sick when he doesn't want to do something at school.
He's 10 and does find school 'difficult'
If anyone knows anything about this or can suggest where to look on the web, I'd be keen to hear your thoughts
In anticipation of the usual mumsnetter helpfulness...I'm in your hands...

No idea - I know extreme nervousness or anxiety can make you sick without you having to do it deliberately like before an exam or stage fright. So it might be that rather than salt-in-water (classic) means to produce a vomit situation.

If you don't think he is as anxious as that, have you tried asking him?

It maybe he is doing it and thinks he is being quite cunning - if he realised that the pattern of 'don't want = be sick' has been noticed he might be open to discussing the problem and not want to keep it up as the transparent trick could be shown up as a silly game to play?

Dd does but she is only 20 months. She just gags and coughs until she vomits quite spectacularly.

thanks every so much for your answers -
Oh dear Eastend, that doesn't sound like much fun

Thanks GinPalace - you're right he is very anxious - he has a diagnosis of ASD - what I am trying to get to the bottom of is whether he is doing it consciously to escape a difficult situation or whether he can't help it. It shouldn't make a difference as he needs to find better coping strategies when things get too much for him- as whether it is deliberate or not, it is his way of escaping from situations he can't cope with. I suppose I just thought I would be in a stronger position with the school if he "couldn't help it" - as I'll need their help with getting this sorted.

thanks for helping me think it through.