{"id":4106,"date":"2022-09-15T10:38:24","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T09:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/?page_id=4106"},"modified":"2023-06-28T17:12:11","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T16:12:11","slug":"constipation-and-autism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/constipation-and-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"Constipation and autism"},"content":{"rendered":"<nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\">Home<\/a><\/p><\/nav><h1>\n\t\tH1 heading\n\t<\/h1>\n\t<p>While many autistic children have no difficulties with <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;Constipation&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;Children with constipation may open their bowels less than once every three days; pass occasional very large motions, or have more frequent small motions; stools may be different textures and may be offensive smelling; they may withhold or strain to prevent themselves from passing large painful stools and may have problems with abdominal pain and distension, or soiling. Children with constipation often have reduced appetite, are unhappy, irritable or moody and may have reduced energy levels. All of the latter symptoms may improve for a time after a large bowel motion.&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/glossary\/constipation\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">constipation<\/a>, it can often be a problem. This can cause a delay in potty training and your child achieving reliable bowel and also bladder control.<\/p>\n<p>Constipation can also cause pain and anxiety for these children and their parents on top of the other issues they are facing day to day.<\/p>\n\t<p>Keep reading for more information and support to help your child.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>Reasons why autistic children become constipated<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Constipation affects 1 in 3 of all children anyway.<\/li>\n<li>Autistic children often have restricted diets which makes constipation more likely.<\/li>\n<li>After one large, painful poo children often <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-16.png\">withhold<\/a> their poo to stop it happening again.<\/li>\n<li>Children on the autism spectrum may learn that poo goes in the nappy, so they wait until this is put on as they find change difficult.<\/li>\n<li>They may not remember to drink regularly or not like the taste of water.<\/li>\n<li>Feeling anxious about being in the toilet or bathroom, especially away from home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2>How can you spot constipation?<\/h2>\n<p>There is often a delay recognising\/spotting when a child is constipated and&#xA0;few definite signs so it&#x2019;s important to look at the child&#x2019;s bowel pattern carefully.<\/p>\n<p>The normal bowel pattern is to have a soft sausage shaped poo at least three times a week, and some people have a more frequent pattern, sometimes several times a day.<\/p>\n<p>One alert sign is an alteration in bowel pattern, and this may happen at a time when routines change such as going on holiday, a new baby arriving or starting play group. When children are not well this may be associated with a change in bowel pattern linked to different fluid intake and food.<\/p>\n<p>Large irregular painful bowel actions are usually associated with constipation. The abdomen may be distended at times. Children can sometimes have abdominal pain and become irritable with a poor eating and sleeping pattern.<\/p>\n<h4>A poo backlog<\/h4>\n<p>The longer the poo stays in the large bowel, the more water it will lose. If it stays inside for too long it will dry out and become hard and knobbly (see <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;Bristol stool chart&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;The Bristol Stool Chart is a medical aid designed to classify poo into seven different categories to help keep track of the type of poo your child is passing. We have adapted the Bristol Stool Chart for children and created our own Poo Tracker which you can view and download from our website.&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"Bristol%20Stool%20Chart\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Bristol stool chart<\/a>).&#xA0; Sometimes this can break up and little bits drop out &#x2013; like rabbit droppings!<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes the large bowel becomes distended with a large amount of poo blocking the way out, and then soft poo from above leaks round the lump causing frequent runny poos, that children can&#x2019;t control. They don&#x2019;t feel the sensation that they need to go to the toilet as the bowel is stretched. This is known as <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;overflow soiling&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;when runny poo leaks around a poo blockage in the bowel and out through the anus onto the pants.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"overflow%20soiling%20\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">overflow soiling<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Overflow soiling<\/h4>\n<p>It&rsquo;s really important that parents understand that this leakage\/<a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;soiling&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;soiling is uncontrolled leakage of stools into the underwear. This is normally associated with&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;chronic constipation and is usually totally outside the child&rsquo;s control. Often the child is&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;unaware that they have soiled, even though stools may smell offensive to others. Lack of&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;awareness is due to changes to the anatomy of the large bowel as the result of constipation&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;and is not due to behavioural or psychological issues.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Rarely soiling is not caused by constipation. Any child who is soiling should be assessed by a&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;healthcare professional. Treatment is usually with laxatives, which may initially make the&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;problem worse. The laxatives may be required for months.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"soiling\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>soiling<\/a>\/overflow is not <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;diarrhoea&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;When you have to poo very frequently and the poo is quite often liquid.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"diarrhoea\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>diarrhoea<\/a>. (Overflow and diarrhoea can often be confused.) Because the poo has been in the large bowel for a long time it is also more smelly and it is difficult to wash off, so lots of parents have to throw away their children&rsquo;s pants.<\/p>\n<p>Children with constipation often have wee problems too as the large bowel may occupy the space where the bladder wants to expand and fill, and sometimes it puts pressure on the bladder.<\/p>\n<h4>Investigations<\/h4>\n<p>It is advisable for children with constipation to have a physical examination by a medical professional. Usually further investigations are not needed.<\/p>\n<p>The&#xA0;<a title=\"NICE guidelines constipation in children and young people\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/Guidance\/CG99\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NICE guidelines<\/a>&#xA0;recommend this is done to make sure any underlying condition is detected.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>How to relieve constipation<\/h2>\n<h4>Management and treatment of constipation<\/h4>\n<p>For children on the autism spectrum there should always be a combined approach with medication and behavioural strategies as well as regular support and follow up.<\/p>\n<p>Healthy eating including a diet containing fluid and fibre is helpful to maintain a regular bowel pattern, and help to prevent the development of constipation. This is not always easy for children with autism. I have had some success with vegetable slush puppies and cut out shapes with pastry cutters from vegetables. You have to be creative and flexible.<\/p>\n<h4>Disimpaction followed by maintenance<\/h4>\n<p>When constipation has developed it needs to be effectively treated, and the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;NICE guidelines&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provide guidance to improve health and social care. Their guidelines should be followed by all health professionals. There are NICE guidelines for the treatment of constipation, bedwetting and urinary tract infections.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"NICE%20guidelines%20\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">NICE guidelines<\/a> state that to do this appropriate medication is needed.<\/p>\n<p>This is a two stage process, <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;disimpaction&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Clearing out the bowel of all the old poo using laxative medication.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"disimpaction\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">disimpaction<\/a> to empty the bowels, followed by regular maintenance treatment. This often needs to be continued for several months, and often sometimes longer.<\/p>\n<p>The problem with constipation in children is that the bowels have often become stretched, so if treatment is stopped too soon the constipation recurs. The bowels do eventually recover their natural tone, but this does take some time.<\/p>\n<p>There aren&#x2019;t any risks in continuing the medication, and there are great deal more problems from continued constipation. Children&#x2019;s anxiety and fear about opening their bowels will usually take a great deal longer to fade.<\/p>\n<h4>Stool softening laxatives<\/h4>\n<p>There are a range of treatment options including <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;stool&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Medical term for a poo.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"stool\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>stool<\/a> softeners like Lactulose and stimulant laxatives like Senna. But the recommended first option is a Macrogol such as Movicol. For children on the autism spectrum who often find that new flavours and tastes are not easy to accept, the best medication is always the one that is acceptable and that they will take regularly.<\/p>\n<h4>Withholding Poo<\/h4>\n<p>I highly recommend parents read a book by Dr Antony Cohn:&#xA0;<a href=\"http:\/\/anthonycohnpaediatrics.co.uk\/books-and-reviews.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Constipation, Withholding and Your Child.&#xA0;<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>He explains how <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;withholding&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Using the anal muscles to deliberately stop a poo from leaving the body. In young children this behaviour normally starts because of previously passing a painful poo. Withholding can quickly lead to constipation because the longer the poo stays in the bowel, the harder, drier and bigger it gets, making it more and more painful to pass. It can be a difficult behaviour to break. Laxative treatment can help to keep the poo soft and easier to pass.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"withholding\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">withholding<\/a> develops, by children holding on to their poo, often triggered by an uncomfortable or scary bowel action.&#xA0;Even tiny babies can withhold.&#xA0;He points out that children&#x2019;s bowels are working normally and the straining is children trying to hold their poo in, and not trying to push a hard poo out. Dr Cohn emphasises the cycle:<\/p>\n<p><em>&#x2018;Poo is pain. I want to stop it. The more I stop it the more it hurts. The more it hurts the more I want to stop it&#x2019;<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The treatment needs to ensure that the bowel is fully emptied and also kept empty for some time until the time a new pattern is fixed and reliable.<\/p>\n<h4>Behavioural programmes<\/h4>\n<p>Toileting programmes need to include strategies to help with children&#x2019;s understanding of using toilets and building their confidence. To do this, children may like<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stories<\/li>\n<li>Pictures<\/li>\n<li>Games<\/li>\n<li>Blowing toys and bubbles<\/li>\n<li>Competitions<\/li>\n<li>Even a visit to the local sewage works!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Dealing with anxiety<\/h4>\n<p>Most children with autism who have difficulties in pooing in the toilet are troubled by anxiety, and are not being difficult. They often need a great deal of reassurance. Other things that may help are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breaking the task into small steps<\/li>\n<li>Building their confidence in other skills<\/li>\n<li>Keeping their environment calm<\/li>\n<li>Distractions e.g. fiddle toys, music<\/li>\n<li>Abdominal massage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Sensory problems<\/h4>\n<p>Sometimes reluctance to let go of the poo in the toilet is linked to children on the autism spectrum having difficulties linked to either increased or reduced reaction to sensory messages.<\/p>\n<p>This may affect their balance on the toilet or their awareness of body sensations. Anxiety linked to sensitivity to smells, sounds or light may also affect a child&#x2019;s ability to sit on the toilet and relax. Understanding the child&#x2019;s individual pattern is important in finding the best solutions.<\/p>\n<h4>Future outlook<\/h4>\n<p>With treatment and behavioural approaches, constipation in children with autism can be treated and they can become continent. It is important to monitor their bowels as constipation can easily reoccur. It can help to keep a monitoring record using&#xA0;<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/poo-diary\/\">ERIC&#x2019;s Poo Diary.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>Other sources of help<u><br>\n<\/u><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A book Eve has co-written:&#xA0;<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.eric.org.uk\/products\/toilet-training-and-the-autism-spectrum-asd-a-guide-for-professionals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-cke-saved-href=\"https:\/\/www.eric.org.uk\/shop\/toilet-training-and-the-autism-spectrum-asd-a-guide-for-professionals\">Toilet Training and the Autism Spectrum (ASD): A Guide for Professionals<\/a>&#xA0;is available to buy from our online shop.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/childrens-continence-pathway\/flowchart-constipation\/\">ERIC&#x2019;s constipation flowchart<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/advice-and-guidance\/topics\/behaviour\/toileting\/parents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Autistic Society &#x2013; Toileting and autistic children guide for parents and carers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2>Resources<\/h2>\n<ul><li data-filter=\"*\">All<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-94\" tabindex=\"0\">Factsheets<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-47\" tabindex=\"0\">For Parents<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-73\" tabindex=\"0\">Treatment<\/li><\/ul>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/a-parents-guide-to-disimpaction\/\" content=\"A Parent&#x2019;s Guide to Disimpaction\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-26\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-11-07\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/aparentsguidetodisimpaction-5cg026c8kx.jpg\"><meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"826\"><meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1169\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"A Parent&#x2019;s Guide to Disimpaction\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/childrens-bowels\/parents-guide-to-disimpaction\/\">A Parent&#x2019;s Guide to Disimpaction Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/advice-for-children-with-constipation\/\" content=\"Advice for children with constipation\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-26\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-11-14\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" 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Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/poo-ladder\/\" content=\"Poo ladder\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-13\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-12\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Poo ladder - Opens in New Tab\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Poo-Ladder.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Poo ladder Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/smearing\/\" content=\"Smearing\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-26\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-11-07\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Smearing.jpg\"><meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"826\"><meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1169\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Smearing\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/smearing\/\">Smearing Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/template-letter-for-gp-re-macrogols\/\" content=\"Template Letter for GP re Macrogols\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-26\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-11-07\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Template Letter for GP re Macrogols\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/template-letter-for-gp-re-macrogols\">Template Letter for GP re Macrogols Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/template-letter-for-gp-re-rectal-interventions\/\" content=\"Template Letter for GP re Rectal Interventions\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-30\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-09-30\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Template Letter for GP re Rectal Interventions\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/template-letter-for-gp-re-rectal-interventions\/\">Template Letter for GP re Rectal Interventions Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/template-letter-for-school-re-disimpaction\/\" content=\"Template letter for school re disimpaction\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-26\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-12\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Template letter for school re disimpaction\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/template-letter-for-school-re-disimpaction\/\">Template letter for school re disimpaction Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/smearing\/\" target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Child-with-play-dough--680x500.png\" alt=\"Child playing with play dough\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"500\" width=\"680\" title=\"Smearing and sensory\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h3>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/smearing\/\" title=\"Smearing \" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\tSmearing \n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>Find out why some children smear their poo and how you can support them. Information on the links between children&#x2019;s toileting and sensory needs.&#xA0;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/smearing\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out more about smearing\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/potty-training\/children-additional-needs\/\" target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Boy-on-potty-for-new-website--680x500.png\" alt=\"Boy sitting on a potty\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"500\" width=\"680\" title=\"Boy on potty\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h3>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/potty-training\/children-additional-needs\/\" title=\"Potty training children with additional needs\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\tPotty training children with additional needs\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>Children with special needs may take a little longer to potty train, but we have lots of information and tips on to support you and your child with this process.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/potty-training\/children-additional-needs\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out more about potty training children with additional needs\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/childrens-bowels\/stool-withholding\/\" target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Boy-crying--680x500.png\" alt=\"Young boy crying\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"500\" width=\"680\" title=\"Boy crying\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h3>\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/childrens-bowels\/stool-withholding\/\" title=\"Children who hold their poo \" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\tChildren who hold their poo \n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h3>\n\t<p>Find out why poo withholding happens and how to help your child overcome this stressful cycle of behaviour.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/childrens-bowels\/stool-withholding\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out more about children who hold their poo\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Children with autism are more likely become constipated. Find out why and get tips to manage and treat it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":6920,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4106"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4106"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4106\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8336,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4106\/revisions\/8336"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}