uncomfortable dr's appointment

[mapmyface]

Abit of backstory, ds1 is nearly seven. He's highly intelligent (not a stealth boast) has been talking in full sentences since 12 months old. He is very switched on for his age and sometimes we have to remember is only six when talking to him as he can make a good argument. He's always been an up and down sort of child, he's either bouncing off the walls with happiness or he's very low and weepy. He's happiest when on the iPad or computer but we have terrible mood swings and tantrums when he is told to come off. We also have two other children age 5 and 2.

Six months ago ds smeared his poo all over his bed frame and wall, he wouldn't give us any explanation to why he had done this, we tried not to make a massive deal of it and he helped clean it up.

Then no more incidents for approx three months, but then he started doing it again maybe once every three weeks. We've told him it's not acceptable, how dirty it is and how many germs will be in the Poo. He just doesn't get it or doesn't care. He has no shame about it.
He did it twice last week, again couldn't give us a reason why he had done it.
I'm in child protection and see this a lot at work in children who are neglected or abuse. I spoke to him about child abuse (in a child friendly way) and he was adamant nothing had happened. School is also fine.
I went to the doctors today (without ds who was absolutely climbing the walls at the suggestion he come and talk about it) I explained the above and the doctor made me feel like I was hiding something. He said it was strange I didn't bring ds with me and asked if there was any abuse or neglect at home. (I understand they have to ask this) the doctor said I have to bring ds in asap for an examination.

Now I'm worried I shouldn't have gone to the doctors in the first place and just dealt with if at home. Anyone any advice? Sorry for the mammoth post

Yes, you should have gone to the doctors and hopefully someone will be able to get to the bottom of this. I can't quite fathom why the doctor asked about abuse or neglect - no-one's likely to say yes, are they? But you need to get your DS in there so you can start the ball rolling asap.

That's what i thought hassled and even said to my dh, I'm unlikely to sit there and say well actually now you mention it, we do lock him the cellar all night (joke)
I half expected it though tbh because on googling it, as you do sexual child abuse was the first thing that came up.

I once worked with a child who did this. He had an Aspergers diagnosis. He had quite significant behavioural issues in school and didn't seem to care how his behaviour was judged by others.. I'm wondering if a camhs referral might be appropriate? You were absolutely right to go to GP. Smearing poo is very unusual behaviour, my child would be devastated if she got poo on her hands/bed.

See I've worked with children with lots of behavioural problems and he doesn't come close in that respect.
Well I've booked him in tomorrow morn to see the doctor as they wanted so I will update then

A friend of mine's little boy did this (at the same age as your DS) he was eventually diagnosed with OCD, (he is an adult now an still has to take his medication, but it is controlled) there are quite a lot of possible reasons for feacal smearing I believe and I'm sorry you were made to feel bad by the doctor, you were absolutely right to take him, and I hope the GP has been more helpful today so your DS can get the help he needs.

Hi, I think GP had to ask it as you know and may be inexperienced about other explanations. I think I'd have found it difficult to go to GP too - I'd maybe have written it down and handed it over? I agree it might be worth looking into CAMHS as poo smearing can be associated with autistic traits, anxiety etc. At the least you may need some support to break the cycle etc.

I teach children with autism, many of whom are high functioning, and it can sometimes be an issue. Their sensory processing can be very different and may not get the same repulsion from the smell as 'neuro typicals'. He's clearly very bright.

I hope you manage to get answers soon.

I think what I meant to say is; it can be a purely sensory seeking experience for some children.