DS 5 keeps smelling his poo

[Finality]

Has anyone had any experience? I didn’t know he was doing it until I saw him, and now tonight he’s had some on his nose 😫

He has suspected ASD and ADHD, very clever, has always been a sensory seeker. He doesn’t play with it or smear it, was toilet trained fine and never has any accidents. It just seems to be the smell. He also wants to smell the flannel after washing himself in the bath.

I don’t really know the best way to react or how to go about dealing with it. If anyone has any experience I’d be grateful.

Has DS had a sensory OT assessment? Does he receiving any ongoing sensory OT support? Do you spend much time on sensory activities?

He hasn’t had any assessments yet, we’re not in the UK and the system here isn’t funded unless there’s very severe difficulties. I’m just trying to help him as best I can myself. He’s had a difficult few years with being subjected to and witnessing DV, and going through supervised contact etc. He’s been having play therapy for the last year and is so much calmer and more settled than he used to be.

He likes noise and a lot of physical body movement, but he doesn’t like certain textures on his hands or to eat. Maybe I could try to find another smell he likes that I could try to substitute that habit with?

Yes, I think providing sensory activities, related to other smells and otherwise, will help.

If you can afford a sensory OT assessment that will help.

You might find the book the Out of Sync Child book helpful. There is also an Out of Sync Child has Fun book. You might also find this booklet and some of the Occuplaytional therapist’s resources useful.

Thank you so much, I’ll have a look at these