Discovering a child engaging with feces can be unsettling for parents, especially for families with autistic children. This challenging situation often brings feelings of confusion, frustration, and isolation, yet it is not uncommon among children on the autism spectrum. Understanding the potential reasons behind such actions can help parents navigate this complex issue.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Behavior
Sensory exploration is a significant factor, as many autistic children process sensory information differently. The tactile sensations, visual appearance, and smell of feces can provide intense sensory input that some children find stimulating or calming. This exploration can be a way for them to seek or regulate their sensory experiences.
The behavior can also serve as a form of communication, particularly for children who have difficulty expressing needs verbally. A child might engage in this behavior to signal discomfort, such as constipation or a stomach ache, or to indicate boredom or a need for attention. It could also express a desire for a change in routine or protest an unwanted activity, acting as a non-verbal message when other communication methods are not available.
Developmental and learning aspects play a role, as understanding hygiene, body awareness, and social norms around toileting can develop at a different pace in autistic children. While curiosity about bodily functions is typical in early childhood, it may persist or manifest uniquely in children with autism. This can lead to a lack of understanding regarding social implications, as the child may not grasp the concept of “dirty” or “clean” like neurotypical children.
For some children, engaging with feces might also be a way to exert control over their environment. Autistic children often thrive on predictability and routine. When these are disrupted, or they feel a lack of agency, they might resort to behaviors that provide a sense of control. This can manifest as rigid adherence to certain actions or routines, including those involving bodily waste, to manage anxiety or unpredictability.
Practical Strategies for Parents
Implementing environmental adjustments can be a helpful first step in managing this behavior. Dress your child in one-piece outfits or pajamas with back zippers to make diaper access difficult. Ensure the bathroom area is free from items that might attract attention or make the behavior easier, such as accessible toilet paper or open trash cans.
Establishing consistent routines and predictability around toileting is important. Set regular times for toilet visits throughout the day, supported by visual schedules to help your child understand the sequence of events. Clear expectations for toileting behavior, communicated through simple language or visual cues, help your child understand what is expected, reducing anxiety and potential behavioral responses.
Teaching hygiene and appropriate toileting skills involves direct instruction and consistent reinforcement. Using social stories—short, personalized narratives describing social situations and appropriate responses—can help explain the steps of using the toilet and washing hands. Visual cues, such as picture cards illustrating each toileting step, provide clear guidance for learning these essential self-care skills. Positive reinforcement, like praise or small rewards for successful toileting and handwashing, encourages desired behaviors.
Addressing underlying physical issues is important, as discomfort can contribute to this behavior. Consult a pediatrician to rule out medical causes like chronic constipation, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal discomforts. Resolving these physical issues can reduce a child’s motivation to interact with feces, as the discomfort triggering the behavior is alleviated.
Developing communication alternatives is essential for children who use this behavior to express unmet needs. Teach your child alternative communication methods, such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or communication boards, to request attention, express discomfort, or ask for sensory input. These tools empower your child to communicate effectively, reducing the need for less desirable behaviors.
When the behavior occurs, redirection and positive reinforcement are key. Gently redirect your child away from feces towards an appropriate activity or toy, without extensive verbal reprimands that might inadvertently reinforce the behavior through attention. Immediately praise and reward any appropriate toileting behavior or engagement in alternative activities, as this helps your child associate positive outcomes with desired actions.
When and How to Seek Expert Help
Clear indicators suggest professional support may be beneficial for families dealing with this behavior. If the behavior escalates in frequency or intensity, significantly impacts the child’s or family’s quality of life, or if parents feel overwhelmed and unable to manage it independently, seek expert help. These signs suggest current strategies may be insufficient or that underlying factors require specialized intervention.
Several types of professionals can offer assistance. A pediatrician can rule out medical issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, contributing to the behavior. Behavioral therapists or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) conduct functional behavior assessments to understand the behavior’s purpose and develop individualized intervention plans. Occupational therapists provide strategies for sensory integration challenges, while developmental pediatricians offer comprehensive evaluations and ongoing management for children with developmental differences.
Professional guidance offers substantial benefits, as experts provide tailored assessments and strategies specific to your child’s unique needs. They identify the root causes of the behavior, develop a comprehensive intervention plan, and offer ongoing support and adjustments. This specialized support ensures parents receive individualized advice and practical tools to effectively address the behavior, promoting the child’s development and well-being.