how do to stop poop smearing??

HangryLimeBeaker · 2024-06-17T19:21:24+00:00

i'm not really much of a poster i'm usually lurking the thread but thought i'd ask for some help. my girl is currently under diagnosis for GDD and ASD. she has a constant hobby of poo smearing. how do wonderful mums prevent this? xxx

AnNDmum · 17/06/2024 20:34

Hi,
People don’t really talk about this much. I had this experience with my ASD/ADHD 5 yo. Could be a few things. In our case, it turned out to be a mixture of constipation (struggling to get it out so going for a rummage), and liking the sensory feel and smell (!!).
We got Laxido from the GP and went on a decompaction regime (taking it a lot for several weeks/ months). As it got loosened up, the smearing seemed to get worse. Realised he wasn’t able to wipe himself properly (apparently not uncommon). I got Wype - a gel you apply to toilet roll to help clean all the gloop off - and I let him know I’d always help if he needed me. I help every single time… he’s now almost 6. But the smearing has stopped.
I think there’s also a great site called ERIC https://eric.org.uk/smearing/
Hope some of that helps

Smearing - ERIC

Smearing is a term to describe children spreading poo on walls, furniture, themselves. We explain why it happens and advise how to stop your child doing it.

https://eric.org.uk/smearing/

Original poster

HangryLimeBeaker · 18/06/2024 06:43

AnNDmum · 17/06/2024 20:34

Hi,
People don’t really talk about this much. I had this experience with my ASD/ADHD 5 yo. Could be a few things. In our case, it turned out to be a mixture of constipation (struggling to get it out so going for a rummage), and liking the sensory feel and smell (!!).
We got Laxido from the GP and went on a decompaction regime (taking it a lot for several weeks/ months). As it got loosened up, the smearing seemed to get worse. Realised he wasn’t able to wipe himself properly (apparently not uncommon). I got Wype - a gel you apply to toilet roll to help clean all the gloop off - and I let him know I’d always help if he needed me. I help every single time… he’s now almost 6. But the smearing has stopped.
I think there’s also a great site called ERIC https://eric.org.uk/smearing/
Hope some of that helps

Yeah my girl is on Movicol due to constipation. I think it's sensory related too. Trying to find something to prevent it a little! Thanks so much xxx

OP posts:

BrumToTheRescue · 18/06/2024 18:33

As well as working on improving the constipation, you could increase the sensory play. You may find some of the ideas in this booklet and this website helpful. Has DD had a sensory OT assessment?

Alongside that, can you try to reduce DD’s access to her pants or nappy/pull ups if she is still in them? For example, at night a onesie on backwards can help.

ElizabethBennetsBoots · 26/06/2024 22:22

Lots and lots of sensory play. Slime is amazing. Playdo. Do it lots.

TheApplesauce · 05/11/2024 12:46

Hi,

First comment so I hope I'm doing it right, I have a 10 y/o little boy, he has ASD, ADHD and PDA, and smearing and hands in pads have been a big issue for years. We were selected to trial some suits from a new company called "intots" by this company that do adult clothing called "intotum" they're on instagram but can't seem to find the intots website yet but I assume that there will be one soon.

they zip up the back and the collar doesn't stretch which have been amazing it's the only thing we have been able to keep on him so far! We're dying to buy more haha can't wait for them to open their store!!

ps they have fold over mittens too which have been fab as cold hands always!