Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chandler, AZ

Our almost 4 year old son will take the poo from his soiled diaper or pair of training pants and smear it on himself, his clothes, etc. Nothing in his diet is out of the ordinary and we try to get him on the potty on a regular basis. We make his time in the bathroom enjoyable with songs and toys that we only let him play with in there. Nothing is helping. Any advice for lessening or stopping this behavior?

July 2, 2025
 · 
Reactions
A MyAutismTeam Member

Thank you everyone for your advice! I will be bringing this information to my husband and we will come up with a game plan.

July 7, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

So we have a 3-year-old son nonverbal ASD. He does the same thing all the time. It is quite frustrating. One of the therapists said it is sensory related. We're still working on the potty training ourselves. But we bought onesies off Amazon that we put him in throughout the day because he was also smearing. It on the walls squeezing it between his hands, sometimes getting it on his face and clothes. So like I said we put him in onesies throughout the day

July 2, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

Structured Routines:
Consistent Toilet Routine: Establish regular bathroom breaks and routines to promote predictable and appropriate toileting habits.
Social Stories: Utilize visual narratives to help individuals understand and learn appropriate bathroom behaviors

It can be linked to sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or medical issues common in autistic individuals.
Behavioral Interventions:
Positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors and consistent expectations can help reduce the likelihood of smearing.
Creating a Positive Toilet Experience:
Ensuring the toilet is comfortable and accessible can reduce anxiety and aversion to using the toilet.
Maintaining Emotional Neutrality:
Caregivers should remain calm and neutral when the behavior occurs to avoid inadvertently reinforcing it.

July 2, 2025 (edited)

Related Questions

View All
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bluevale, Ontario

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Frankfort, KY