Faecal smearing, medically known as scatolia, is an issue many parents have to learn to cope with. Sometimes linked to autism, dealing with it can cause anxiety for parents. It can be difficult to control how your child acts at bedtime, in social settings, or on days out. It’s important not to feel alone; you’re not the only one going through this. Finding out why your child does it is the first step in overcoming the problem.

Why faecal smearing is more common than many parents realise

For many parents of children with additional needs, faecal smearing can feel isolating and distressing. The reality is that it is far more common than most families realise, particularly among children with autism, sensory processing differences, and developmental delays. 

Faecal smearing, also known medically as scatolia, is rarely about “naughty behaviour”. In most cases, it is a communication, sensory or regulatory behaviour. Children may be exploring texture, attempting to relieve discomfort or responding to an unmet need.

Understanding the reason behind the behaviour is the first step to reducing incidents and supporting your child in a positive way. 

Faecal smearing due to sensory issues

If your child isn’t able to find a suitable outlet for their senses, such as playing with paint or playdough, they might smear their faeces instead. This can include situations where your child doesn’t have access to these outlets, such as at bedtime. As a result, they choose to ‘play’ with their faeces instead.

Children with autism can be overwhelmed by their senses, so putting an alternative in place can help to avoid the behaviour. Setting time throughout the day for playing with sensory-stimulating toys can help reduce any urges they might have. If their sleep is still disrupted, there are items you can buy to soothe their senses at night. Specialist bodysuits can also help where they are restricted from putting their hands inside, view our range of adaptive clothing designed to tackle smearing issues in children.

Behavioural problems and faecal smearing

Behavioural causes of faecal smearing can arise for several reasons, including:

• If your child knows that the behaviour will delay events.
• A misunderstanding that they shouldn’t play with their faeces.
• Positive feelings due to the associated feelings of relaxation and happiness.
• They want attention.

It’s possible that smearing faeces may have developed as other ways to get attention, like crying or throwing toys, have stopped working. Some children who struggle with emotional issues may also find it can help them to feel in control.

Tackling behavioural issues

To get your child to stop smearing faeces, an effective first step to take is identifying the behaviour behind their actions. To do this, you can use the ABCs to highlight motivations and triggers:

• A for Antecedent: which situations occur in the lead up to smearing?
• B for Behavior: the behaviour itself
• C for Consequence: what transpires after smearing?

It’s important to avoid reinforcing the behaviour in any way, especially negatively. Positive reinforcement should be used for acts that deserve rewarding, such as tidying up their toys. A negative situation should be given a neutral response and as little attention as possible.

When smearing is linked to sensory processing

Many children with autism experience differences in sensory processing, meaning they may actively seek out certain textures, smells or sensations.

Faeces can, unfortunately, provide a very strong sensory experience. The texture, smell and movement involved in smearing can be stimulating to a child who is seeking that sensory input. It is important to note that, for these children, the behaviour is not about misbehaving, but instead it is about sensory exploration. 

We have been told by parents that providing alternative sensory experiences can help to reduce the behaviour over time.
Examples include:

• Play-dough or modelling clay

• Slime

• Shaving foam sensory play

• Messy play activities

• Sand or kinetic sand trays

Giving your child the opportunity to engage with safe sensory play throughout the day can help reduce the need for them to seek these sensations elsewhere.

Practical strategies parents often try

While every child is different, parents and therapists often find success by combining environmental strategies, routine and clothing adaptations.

Some commonly recommended approaches include:

1. Create predictable toileting routines

A structured toilet routine can help children understand when and where toileting should occur.

2. Reduce easy access to nappies or clothing

Specialist clothing can prevent children from reaching inside nappies, particularly during sleep. Using these garments allows the entire household to have a much-needed peaceful night's rest.

3. Neutral reactions

Strong emotional reactions can sometimes unintentionally reinforce behaviour. To help break the tension-seeking cycles, it is better to respond calmly with matter-of-fact responses.

Clothing designed to help reduce faecal smearing

For some children, limiting access to nappies or underwear can significantly reduce faecal smearing incidents, particularly during the night or when they are unsupervised. 

Many parents tell us that once a child discovers they can reach inside their clothing, the behaviour can quickly become part of their routine. This is why some families look for practical solutions that help prevent easy access.

Adaptive clothing can be a practical solution for families trying to reduce access to nappies and prevent smearing incidents, particularly overnight.

Specially designed bodysuits and all-in-one garments can prevent children from reaching inside their nappies while still allowing them to move, sleep and play comfortably. 

At Special Kids Company, we design adaptive clothing specifically for children with additional needs and the families supporting them.

Products that may help include:

Zip-back bodysuits

• Prevent children from accessing nappies or underwear

• Designed to be difficult for the child to remove independently

• Comfortable enough for everyday wear or sleep

Adaptive all-in-one sleepwear

• Helps reduce smearing during the night

• Keeps children warm and comfortable

• Provides peace of mind for parents during bedtime routines

Many parents find that combining sensory strategies, routines and adaptive clothing can significantly reduce smearing behaviour over time.

Medical causes for scatolia

Medical causes for developing faecal smearing include infections, or abdominal pain and discomfort. Children will use the act as a way to explore the problem and attempt to alleviate it. Consult with your child’s doctor to rule out medical complications. Ruling out medical causes can be a way to ‘treat’ the condition early on.

A first step you can take towards your child overcoming faecal smearing can be to invest in restrictive clothing. Bodysuits are a great way to restrict access to faeces. The clothing doesn’t compromise on movement or comfort.

Dealing with faecal smearing doesn’t have to be a challenge you face alone. Comfort is our top priority at Special Kids Company. While overcoming complex situations, help your child to be comfortable with our range of non-irritable and adaptive clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Faecal Smearing in Children

Is faecal smearing common in children with autism?

Faecal smearing, sometimes called scatolia, can occur in children with autism or sensory processing differences. It is often linked to sensory exploration, communication difficulties, or discomfort. Many children use the behaviour to express a need or regulate sensory input. While it can feel overwhelming for parents, understanding the underlying reason is the first step in reducing the behaviour.

Why do some children smear faeces?

There are several possible reasons why a child may smear faeces. These can include sensory seeking behaviours, medical discomfort such as constipation, or behavioural triggers such as attention seeking. Some children are exploring textures, while others may struggle tocommunicate discomfort or frustration. Identifying when and where the behaviour occurs can help parents understand the cause. 

How can parents reduce faecal smearing behaviour?

Reducing smearing behaviour often involves identifying triggers and introducing supportive strategies. Parents may find it helpful to establish regular toileting routines, provide safe sensory play alternatives such as slime or playdough, and respond calmly to incidents. Some families also find that adaptive clothing or bodysuits prevent access to nappies during sleep or unsupervised periods.

Can sensory needs cause faecal smearing?

Yes. Children with sensory processing differences may seek out certain textures or sensations. Faeces, unfortunately, provide a strong sensory experience, which can lead to smearing behaviour. Offering alternative sensory activities during the day, such as messy play or sensory toys, can sometimes reduce the need to seek these sensations elsewhere.

What clothing can help prevent faecal smearing?

Some families use adaptive clothing designed to restrict access to nappies or underwear. Zip-back bodysuits or specialist sleepwear can make it harder for children to reach inside their clothing, particularly overnight. These garments are designed to maintain comfort while helping families manage behaviours like smearing.