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Other possibilities
By Joyce

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I work in special ed, and have to say that this problem definitely sounds like the child is in need of some sort of services.

It could be a sensory processing disorder.
An occupational therapist with knowledge in
seneory integration disorder should evaluate the student to determine if this behavior is related to problems with sensory processing. If it is a sensory problem, the child is probably not deliberately doing it. He could be unaware of when he needs to poop and might even be unaware once he has pooped. However, I think it'd be difficult for poop to just roll out from his pants without
him adjusting his clothes in some way. Maybe once he poops, he is embarassed or grossed out so he causes the poop to fall out of his pants.

He could also have sensory issues about the bathroom itself --he might be bothered by the smell or the noise of the bathroom (bathrooms tend to echo). I've had success in sending kids to the nurse's office so they can use the bathroom there. It's cleaner and quieter. Also, if the child is "shy" about pooping in the regular bathroom, this would be a more private place to go. If you know the general time of day that he poops, you could try sending him to the nurse at that time.

Another possibility is that the child is doing this deliberately. ED is not really my speciality. However, I hold to the general principle that it is wrong to say "he's doing this for attention" or "this is just a behavior." This is a pretty significant behavior. Someone needs to get involved to determine how this behavior benefits the child ...there is always a REASON for behaviors.

A psychologist needs to get involved. They are the ones who have the training to determine the underlying reason for behaviors (after medical & sensory have been ruled out). Once the reason is determined, a suitable intervention can be provided. Behavior plans are often the best approach to toileting problems. But in a few situations, counseling might be the more appropriate way to go. What if this child is being sexually abused? Although it's unlikely, it is a possibility ...demand that a psychologist get involved! If there is no identifiable psychological cause, then the psych should be able to provide you with an appropriate behavior plan.

 


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