Monday, March 9, 2009

Smearing

Okay, this is one that I’m really glad he appears to be getting over. Smearing.

For those of you out there wondering what smearing is, well it is one of the most disgusting things that autistic children tend to develop a habit of. In essence they take their feces and wipe it on the walls or whatever happens to be handy.

From what I understand it has to do with a mix of textural sensations as well as the discovery process of dealing with something appearing suddenly in their diaper.

Let’s just say it is very, very frustrating to deal with, especially when you know that they are just as confused as you are by their own behavior.

So, what do you do about this one? The best solution that I have found is to simply watch the boy like a hawk. When you see the potty signs coming, take him in and see what you can do.

Unfortunately he is scared or frustrated by the toilet. I’m not sure why. His current alternative, which is much better than before, is to use the bath tub. At least it makes cleaning things up much easier. In fact he really enjoys the tub and would spend all day in the bath if we let him.

If anyone out there has solid advice, please send it my way.

4 comments:

  1. Sorry, but the "solid advice" request kind of cracked me up! Hee hee. Happy to say I know nothing about smearing. Sorry that you do :)

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  2. I have no advice, just hope, they do grow out of it. However, older autistic boys, well, peeing in the toilet is something that I am not sure he will ever learn. To many distractions to actually stay on task. Wish I had some words of advice for you.

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  3. @Mrs4444

    No worries. I get cracked up all the time - if I didn't I don't know what I would do.

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  4. My nephew is autistic and smearing has been a problem for several years. It is a significant problem, isn't it?
    I've posted about my nephew on several occasions. He's such a sweetheart.

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