SEN Son with Constipation

[DadOfSons]

Hi all,

Our 10 year old is SEN (global learning delay, hypermobility and a few other things). When he was potty training he was successfully using the toilet for poo's, however, after 6 months or so, he stopped needing to go in the day, and started going in his nappy at night.

Fast forward to now, and he is still using a teen's pull-up at night (only wetting it when he has passed a stool, he's dry otherwise) but is often constipated - sometimes severely, and to the point of using suppositories. He is on a 'maintenance dose' of Laxido - which occasionally results in an issue with leaking.

He will sit on a toilet during the day when he has 'bum pain', however he finds it very upsetting and we 'feel' he is unsure of what is supposed to be happening. He talks about it being uncomfortable, then it 'won't come out'. Often this is with soft stools as well as hard.

I've been ringing the ERIC phone line fairly religiously for the last 6 months with no joy, so have submitted a request on their online form - but I know they are a charity and therefore probably resource strapped.

I've had 2 paediatricians and a doctor say they were going to try from their side - but no help has been forthcoming. Our SEN is currently out sick with COVID, so we have been unable to ask there, and the school TA's have been great but it's more than they should be expected to deal with

We are keeping him back from his residential this year (mainstream school), and he will be moving to a specialist school in September - but we desperately want anyone to help with how to work with our son to get him able and comfortable going to the toilet, as it's massively upsetting for everyone involved.

So a cry for help.. please!

[Robinia]

Have you done regular disimpactions?

[ERIC-Charity Partner]

Hi DadOfSons , I'm so sorry you've not been able to get through to us. If you've completed a web enquiry form and asked for a call back, we are working about ten days behind at the moment. Email responses are quicker. Have you seen our Sensory needs factsheet? eric.org.uk/News/sensory-ne... We also have a new resource on toilet anxiety: eric.org.uk/toilet-anxiety.

Could you let me know when you completed the web enquiry form please and I'll check our system?

thanks, Sarah

[14crosstitch14]

How much exercise fluid and fibre is he getting? That will help with his constipation. Maybe squats or a brisk walk to get him going followed by plenty water and fibre. Easy made flap jacks with plenty fruit in. Pears lots of veg. My girls love soreen. Figs and prunes are best. Not tried girls on prunes/ juice yet.