A common question we get is “How do we prevent Scatolia (smearing)?” One of our community members has a son who is 3 years of age, has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD) and mom needs help eliminating the smearing.
I asked for your help over on our facebook page and many of you jumped right in and made REALLY helpful suggestions.
Here are the top 3 suggestions made by YOU, parents of children living with ASD and/or SPD:
- FINGER PAINTING!! Some suggested finger painting with chocolate on a clean surface outside, while others just suggested finger painting as an art activity for the sensory input.
- SLIME, GOOP or similar sensory play (silly sludge, putty). The feedback he may get from these activities may fulfill the feedback he is getting from smearing and, therefore, may help to replace his smearing.
- PLAY IN REAL MUD. If your child likes to get dirty, let him/her play in the dirt. One parent suggested letting them dig feet and hands in, with the hose running/spraying at their feet (to create mud). This parent also suggested letting your child look at the dirty diaper and flush the contents in the toilet until they understand that’s where it belongs.
Additionally, one of the parents linked to a great article over on Friendship circle, that discusses 6 facts about fecal smearing that you need to know. Check it out!
Hopefully, this helps!
Good luck and let us know if you have any additional tips you would add!
With Love,
Hallie