Child with autism trouble controlling bowel movements

[lkjk92]

I have a 7 yr old boy that was born with hydrocephlus and also has mild autism.  He has trouble controlling his bowel movements and has poop in his underwear about everyday.  On many occasions we will like he is holding it in.  We try to convence him that he would feel better to just go on and do his business.  I think he holds it all day at school now, and does not have as many accidents at school.  He can not reach himself to wipe yet.  Any ideas?  Does he have a medical problem or is it another problem that he can not wipe so he just holds it until he can not hold it anymore?  This is becoming a very important issue with him.....

[lkjk92]

He does have some problems doing alot of things other children do. He was in theropy from 3 months old until he started kindergarten.  He has sensory intragration and no depth preception.  I have watched him when he tries to reach around himself, he acts like he is gonna fall and then he starts saying he can't do it.  He would try but just not be able to reach.  He did not potty train until he was almost through kindergarten.  He also has acid reflux and seizures and takes medicine for the seizures every day.  I have talk to his peditracian in the past but have not mentioned it in over a year now...Thank you for your help.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You should definitely discus this with his peditarician because it is likelty that his bowels will need to be cleaned out via a regimen that his doctor will determine. Why is it that he can't reach himself to clean himself? Does he have a motor or orthopedic problem?