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.

[Sally44]

This was a question that I was asked by the Developmental Paediatrician as to whether my son smeared or ate his feces.  Fortunately he does not do this.  I am not sure what the reason for it is.  Does he have many sensory issues.  Some children with sensory integration disorder can have over or under sensitive senses which can account for behaviour that we consider bizzare, but for them is just a way of testing their environment and getting information out of it.  I would mention it at your next appointment.  
I am hoping others who have experienced this will also post as i'm sure this is very distressing for you.  Can you give him something else to smear or mouth?  As gross as it sounds to us, if he has an undersensitive sense of smell or taste, then he won't be getting the same sensory 'information' from the feces that we get ie. it doesn't smell nice and therefore don't put it in your mouth!  Do you feel that his sense of smell or taste is undersensitive ie. does he like spicy food or does he taste other none food items?