Autism Global Delay Non Verbal & Constipation

[ASD_Mummy15]

Hi all

My 6 year old son is autistic. He’s globally delayed & non verbal. He’s been on movicol for a couple of years now but it’s hit & miss. He won’t drink it during the day at all so we are mixing it to the correct dose with his favourite flavour water. He’s also still in nappies as he has non concept of toilets or what is expected of him. He often gets packed up & days later passes a large boulder type poo. Takes a lot of effort. He’s only ever been sick during one bout of chronic Constipation, that was, until Monday of this week. He’d been passing his normal pasty soils & skids during the weekend building up to the Monday but after playing on his swing outdoors during a family bbq, the heat got to him. Not unusual hence his swing is in the shade of a gazebo. I presumed it was the heat that had knocked him lethargic so sort advice. He had non of the classic symptoms. Hes drinking plenty but was nauseous. Started vomiting. Refused all his usual & favourite foods. Day three & he’s still trying to poo. The vomiting has almost stopped but he’s so sleepy, weak & lethargic although he’s alert, drinking, wetting normal. He’s trying to push the poo out but he’s not one for liking that. The autism has him thinking his body is falling out & he doesn’t understand why this has to happen. Being globally delayed & non verbal, it’s virtually impossible to explain to him. He doesn’t sign or use PECS as of yet as he’s not grasping it just yet. He can’t express pain or discomfort nor can he respond to questions etc. The only way you know anything is by looking into his eyes, noticing the slightest change in mood/habits/behaviour. He has a high pain threshold & self harms daily. It’s very hard to read him but not impossible. In regards to his chronic Constipation & current symptoms, he’s back at the doctors tomorrow. This winds me up as the bloke just doesn’t grasp autism & constipation. Nor does he willingly accept that it’s quite common for children with autism + sleep issues + pica to suffer immensely with bowel related issues. Even his paediatrician at his special school says ‘he’ll grow out of it’. I feel he needs bloods taken to rule out allergies/intolerances as again this is very common with autism due to the brain reacting & responding differently to ingredients & toxins caused by the foods we eat. I feel our gp is being a tight fisted stubborn so & so by just fobbing me off with meds & no advice, no support or referrals. After stumbling across this informative website, I’ve learned that my son is on a far too low dose of movicol, his sickness is classic when coupled with his inability to poo at all & there’s definitely lots of kids enduring the same problem.

What I’d like from you lovely people ...

**Any advice about chronic constipation in general

And,

As much information as possible in regards to autistic children especially if your child is non verbal & globally delayed, please.**

I’ve dealt with severe constipation in the past with my now 24 year old who still suffers but autism throws it into a whole other level.

I honestly feel like I’m failing him as there’s no communication, no insight, he doesn’t co operate with any medical professionals & most of them ain’t a clue about autism!!

Please, any stories, tips, advice, anything, I’m desperately alone & exhausted but hell bent on getting some form of help for my son & hopefully some routine of poo time just so he’s getting it out again. I’m convinced it’s the chronic constipation making him feel sick as a dog. But like I say, docs tomorrow.

Sorry for the long winded post but like my son, I’m a tornado...

I literally cannot wait for your help & advice or even a shared experience in chronic constipation & autism.

Thanks all!!

[OlivesYou]

Big momma bear hugs to you 💕

My son is ASD as well, mostly non verbal, and having the toughest time as well.

doctor we had for decade we’ve discovered has been giving terrible advice as well

I found a book called “toilet training and the autism spectrum “ by Eve Fleming it has lots of good information and as far as the Boulder poops I would say he’s constipated. That was my biggest mistake is not charting and losing track. I bought a notebook and downloaded the Bristol Stool chart app on my cell phone. I chart everything now.

My son , approx 100 pounds, takes one capful of Miralax in his sports drink and 26.4mg senna everyday. This is not yet a science not is not perfect. He still has issues. Now he won’t sit on the toilet. He poops standing up in our bathroom area. I am at wits end. I have talked with occupational therapist to help. No luck yet with anyone willing to take on challenge toileting a pubescent teenager. He has begun to sit for us for few moments at a time.

Slow and steady. DO. NOT. STOP. keep going!! He is young enough you have time. I can’t go back and I wish like hell I could.

Sensory issues I bought a soft toilet seat. Rug as to absorb the echo in the room. Bought Dude butt wipes. They’re nice and moist but for cool guys. Get him used to showering. Does he shower or bathe? Does he have adverse effects to self care? Brushing teeth /washing hair /hair cuts?

Sorry lots to sort out!😘