Fecal smearing and ingesting are taboo topics that often elicit a considerable amount of shame for families. We felt like it was time to give this topic some attention to those who are struggling in the dark and aren't comfortable reaching out for suggestions in the online support groups. In response to very little information openly available to families struggling with smearing and consuming feces (scatolia and coprophagia), Genevieve Engleman, The Remote OT, shares with us the background behind the behavior, information to reduce the stigma, and ways we can try to prevent and address this issue.  

 

We talk about:

  • Why mammals may consume their own feces
  • History and incidence of these behaviors
  • Reducing the stigma and shame associated
  • What the behavior may be communicating
  • How to address any potential medical problems that could lead to these behaviors
  • What to do if and when it happens
  • Ways to use OT, and sensory play to meet the needs currently served by poop play

Genevieve’s Website & Information

The Remote OT 

VIRTUAL CLIENT-CENTERED CARE

Facilitating optimal functioning in activities of daily living through remote, synchronous, affordable private sessions. Client-centered occupational therapy custom treatment plans for pediatrics, adolescents, young adults, and geriatrics from a professional and parent perspective. 

Special Needs Services:

Social Skills Enhancement/ Virtual Social Pragmatic Groups

Early Intervention 

IEP Development & Support 

Parent Training & Occupation Based Coaching

Autism Spectrum & Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder Strategies & Support

Sensory Processing Strategies & Support

ADHD Strategies & Support

Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Strategies & Support

Hyperlexia Strategies & Support

Personalized Career Counseling

Resume Editing/ Vocational Training/ Interview Skill Development

Independent Functioning Coaching

Handwriting

Fine & Gross Motor Skill Development

Diet & Nutrition Coaching

Tutoring

Infant & Toddler Developmental Therapy

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Treatment Plan & Home Exercise Program

PTSD Support

Individual & Family Therapy

Books

What to Do about Smearing: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers of People with Autism, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Ready, set, potty! : toilet training for children with autism and other developmental disorders / Brenda Batts.

Toilet training for individuals with autism or other developmental disorders

My social story book / edited by Carol Gray and Abbie Leigh White ; illustrated by Sean McAndrew.

Resources

Little Sprout Speech - How to Prevent Smearing

 Let's Talk About Toddlers & Scatolia 

Scatolia website

Autism and Poo Smearing

Autism Center - Temple Grandin

Sleep Safe Systems - Incontinence Pads

Practical Advice for Smearing 

Social Story for Poop Smearing

Don't Play with Poop Social Story - YouTube

Don't Play with Poop Social Story - Basic Living Skills

I Can Poop in the Toilet Social Story

Behavior Contingency Map

Cleaning Advice

How to Remove Poop Stains

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