SPD Support Forum

Hi all!

I'm so excited to have found this forum!

I am hoping to get some input/thoughts about a very particular method of seeking input that I've come across. I have an almost 8-yr-old boy who says that he likes the way it feels when he holds in a bowel movement.

This isn't the first sensory issue he's experienced and for the most part it has been effective to simply (ha!) understand what sensory need is being met by a given behavior and find ways to meet that need that are not disruptive/unhealthy/whatever the case may be.

This issue is proving to be a bit trickier.

It seems that holding one's bowels would provide a form of deep pressure/heavy work proprioceptive input. So far, other more external ways of delivering this type of input have not had any impact.

What are some things you might think to try in this case? I'd particularly love input from anyone who has experienced this him/herself, but of course I'm open to any and all insights!

Thanks so much, can't wait to learn from all of you!

Hi Reevki! I'm a Special Education Teacher and have dealt with many children with this sensory need. It is very hard for someone to try and extinguish this behavior because, as you state, its an internal sensation that can't otherwise be acquired externally. That being said, my suggestion would be to PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE! Try giving the child lots of praise and rewards when he does go. Save the reward for something that is VERY important and motivating for the child. Make that the only time the child can earn this certain reward. In my classroom, we have students that earn a Hershey kiss when they go on the potty. If you make the reward for going on the potty, the student is more likely to continue finding motivation for using the potty. Make sure you pair the giving of a reward with lots of verbal praise, high fives, or a token for his chart. That way you will be more likely able to fade the reward, ultimately making the child see the benefit of using the potty in the correct manner. Hope this helps!