Children eating feces

[Mari21]

My son is 4 years old and may be autistic. They have tested him through the public school & say that it is still a 50,50 diagnosis & can't really diagnose him. He is recieving therapy through the school district & will be re-evaluated at age 6. My question is recently after he has a bowel movement he has been smearing it and eating it. He is potty trained. Is this normal, is it a sign that he is autistic,or some other type of condition? I am at my wits ends someone please help me understand what is going on.

[kateperry]

My 4 year old was diagnosed with ASD over a year ago. I am surprised they cannot be sure about your son. Eating fesces is an Austisic trait. Try putting your son in an outfit where he has no access to his behind - a jump suit. The early you accept his condition and get help, the better for him. Perhaps see another doctor with experience in ASD

[MJIthewriter]

Could be your son is looking to mold something in his hands. Maybe giving him something else (that is safe to eat) to play with in his hands, may help give him what he wants.

As a child I found playdough, silly putty, and modeling clay some of my favorite "toys". These aren't edible, but they have sort of the same consistancy as "feces" and more socially acceptable to use for art than the other.