This subject is not very fun but is a common issue with Autistic kids. Encopresis is leaky stool, basically the child becomes constipated and can’t pass the stool blocking the colon and stretching it out to the point of leaky accidents.

Our daughter encountered this when she was still toilet training around three years old. Again routines were the key to getting though this. I set up a schedule to practice pooping. It was fun I made a big deal about the practice time and brought games and books in the bathroom. Unfortunately, to clear the blockage we did have to start with an enema, once she was cleaned out the next day I started the practice routine.

We practiced everyday after breakfast for 5 min and all she would have to do was sit there and try to go number 2. While she was there I had her blow bubbles with a straw in a plastic container as hard as she could. Blowing mimics the muscles used when grunting to go to the bathroom. She loved it. After she would blow the bubbles I would hold the container and ask her to try to poop. Then after she tried we would blow bubbles again. I used a timer and when the timer dinged it was time to stop even if she did not have a bowel movement.

We also practiced each night after dinner for 5 minutes. I also had her blow up balloons for something different. Eventually she was able to have a bowel movement in the toilet and we made a big deal about it with some sort of reward. To keep the stool soft I had both of my kids drink a full cup of water with each meal to get the fluids in. I also had her take a tablespoon of mineral oil for about a month to keep her soft.

Both of our kids learned this way and even now when they get constipated they get out the bubbles, we keep it in the bathroom still. Both of our kids now have a specific time each day when they have their bowel movement from practicing each day eventually the routine becomes a habit.

Toilet training autistic children is stressful try these tips for a good routine.