Toilet problems with ASD child

[dharmabum]

Hi all.

My son is 5 and has ASD. From the end of nursery [June 2007] until we moved to this house where we live now [end of August 2008], he was perfectly toilet trained. Unfortunately when the boys and I first moved in with my partner, in August of last year, my autistic son was constipated, and of course when he went to the toilet it hurt him. Since then I have been unable to get him to use the toilet, unless it's to do a wee. His LSA and I are at the end of our tethers with it, as we have to keep cleaning him when he goes in his pants. Sometimes he does it three times a day, because he's not always allowing himself to "go" properly - this also is a health worry, he will end up not well if he keeps on like this.

He is not low functioning, and knows exactly what he's doing. It's an anxiety thing, I'm sure of it, because of his experience with painful constipation -- but despite understanding the "why", we've yet to figure out a "how" to talk him into using the toilet again. He will be 6 years old in June.

I've attempted to get ahold of the ASD section of children's hospital, but because they are always very busy, they never answer the phone when I call. My son's LSA has left a message with another ASD professional today, but I thought I would post here with my worry, because any suggestions are very welcome.

Thanks for reading and in advance for any help.

Katey

[cyberpedz]

We also had the exact same problem Josh had terrible constipation ending in him having to go to hospital for enemas (not pleasant!)
We then made a point of physically taking him to the toilet and sitting there with him until he did one and explained that if he did not he would have to go to hospital this helped as hospital is not his fav place.

We also used Movacol (not sure if spelling is correct but this also help to keep the stool soft hence over time the anxiety of it hurting went away it is a long process but i would suggest seeing your doctor for something like movocal.

Hope that helps a little.

[tayomismo]

i also have a problem now with my autistic son. He dirts on his underwear especially when he is busy in front of the PC.. he is very lazy to tell me to go to the toilet room.

[Aletab]

Hi

My son who is 5 yrs old also has this problem. I feel like its only getting worse as he gets older. I can change is underwear all day long as he is always having a bit of poo because he is trying to hold it in all day. I have tried rewards, stickers, toys, everything I can think of. I think I should take him to the doctor because this just isnt healthy either. In Norway they dont have autism specialists to go to for help and advice. I am pretty much on my own here.

Aleta

[Janice Adamson]

I've noticed many of us parents face similiar diliemmas about toilet training. Although it can be difficult to be us, I always have to remember to think of it what it must be like to be them. Anxieties, phobias, delayed reactions and being engrossed in some activities are all problems I've faced as well. Public places were a nightmare. One of my sons continually urinated into any toy, bucket, cup or bathtub he could find. His reasoning... Ewwww! EVERYONE uses the toilet!!! So he also was diagnosed with OCD (amongst other things) because he didn't want to get dirty. I'm glad we can all share our experiences. I'm glad for all of the support I've been given as well! Patience and support can go a long way!

[motherof2pickles]

My daughter is very constipated all the time and we use Movacol, Its brilliant

[cyberpedz]

There are also other that may help like fybogel (not sure of spelling)