this post was submitted on 28 May 2026
16 points (94.4% liked)

Autism

9960 readers
570 users here now

A community for respectful discussion and memes related to autism acceptance. All neurotypes are welcome.

Community:

Values

  • Acceptance
  • Openness
  • Understanding
  • Equality
  • Reciprocity
  • Mutuality
  • Love

Rules

  1. No abusive, derogatory, or offensive post/comments e.g: racism, sexism, religious hatred, homophobia, gatekeeping, trolling.
  2. Posts do not need be related to autism, off-topic discussions are allowed. This is a safe space where people with autism can feel comfortable discussing whatever they feel like discussing, as long as it does not violate the standing rules.
  3. Your posts must include a text body. It doesn't have to be long, it just needs to be descriptive.
  4. Do not request donations.
  5. Be respectful in discussions.
  6. Do not post misinformation.
  7. Mark NSFW content accordingly.
  8. Do not promote Autism Speaks.
  9. General Lemmy World rules.
  10. No bots. Humans only.

Encouraged

  1. Open acceptance of all autism levels as a respectable neurotype.
  2. Funny memes.
  3. Respectful venting.
  4. Describe posts of pictures/memes using text in the body for our visually impaired users.
  5. Welcoming and accepting attitudes.
  6. Questions regarding autism.
  7. Questions on confusing situations.
  8. Seeking and sharing support.
  9. Engagement in our community's values.
  10. Expressing a difference of opinion without directly insulting another user.
  11. Please report questionable posts and let the mods deal with it.

.

Helpful Resources

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
 

One of my children is heavily autistic and nonverbal at 6. He had constipation issues before which made him fearful of going #2. He trained himself to just never have a bowel movement, so he soils his diapers all day (his bowls are full and it's the natural progression out). It concerns me because he's continuously backed up and that's not good for his long term health.

Doctors have been little help. The gastro put him in the hospital with a drip to essentially clear him out completely but a week after we were back in the same boat. Our pediatrician has us giving him laxatives daily, and even though we do, this doesn't change the situation. The ABA school he goes to takes him to the bathroom very routinely but this also seems to be ineffective. I've tried putting him on the toilet after meals (he's cooperative to sit there), but he seems to still hold back.

Is there some place we can go to for help?

all 10 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] PsychoNot@lemmy.world 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (2 children)

It’s really great that you’re seeking help and talking openly about this! Encopresis is too often shameful and kids suffer when parents don’t speak up.

There’s lots of conflicting advice out there and I strongly recommend you find pediatric autism specialist if as all possible. A generalist MD or therapist is not likely to be knowledgable about this topic.

This website, despite the sales pitch, has good information and a detailed manual. It might be worth reading. https://www.encopresis.com/encopresis-manual/

Editing to add that interoception may be part of the issue. People with ASD often have more distant perceptions of internal bodily sensations than allistics, so your son may only perceive his need to defecate at a 1/10 where another kid might feel it at a 7/10. Teaching body check ins and mindfulness can be helpful, but is tricky with young kids.

[–] tiotok@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Yes! Interoception is considered the 8th sensory system and ties in with the sensory processing differences common in autism. An occupational therapist familiar with interoception can help. Kelly Mahler has some good resources (and a whole curriculum for sale, but look for the free stuff).

[–] Tylerdurdon@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Thank you very much!

[–] IanTwenty@piefed.social 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Have you tried stomach massage? It can help. If he's spending time sitting on the toilet anyway maybe try a massage instead. Might also help diffuse any mental anxiety/pressure about toileting by adding something new. Could take time and effort to have an effect so approach with patience.

Also I assume your paediatrician has mentioned the usual things that can help: hydration, walking, fiber. Small changes can add up.

[–] Lexam@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Does he have a therapist? You may want to look in your area for someone who specializes in Austic chicken. Hopefully there is someone, but it's a speciality.

[–] papalonian@lemmy.world 8 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[–] Lexam@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago

I'm just going to leave that now.