Seeking perspective on coprophagia in a toddler with autism

June 5, 2011

Hello,

I am a mama of an almost-13 year old who has come light years on biomed, etc.

In my work, I am a social worker in an early intervention system that has its

eyes screwed tightly shut rather than acknowledge the power and possibility it

holds for families facing ASD...in part because of widespread poverty and the

belief that it's no fair to tell parents about expensive diets, and

interventions that are not covered by insurance, when basic life-needs are

difficult to meet.

Within that context, I am turning to the wisest group of people I know for some

understanding, and possibly ideas, for parents of a two year old with an autism

diagnosis, who seems obsessed with eating his poop. The parents have tried

being quicker than the child so that they can change his diaper before he gets

to it. They have tried creating fashion obstacles, such as overalls on

backwards, to restrict his access. So far, he has just become better at hiding

when he has to eliminate, and more persistent at worming his hands up through

his pants legs and down his sleeves. Duct tape has been less effective and more

problematic than hoped.

What I'm wondering is whether there is a biomedical perspective on this

challenging behavior that might lead to some relief for his parents, who are

understandably at wit's end. Could this be a sign of malnutrition/malabsorption

of nutrients, or a sensory-based issue, as what's abhorent to us is attractive

to the child? I've searched the internet and found nothing very helpful so far.

We do have some naturopaths in this area (covered by Medicaid even if

supplements they recommend are not) who could work with diet/biomed, and would

be willing to work with DAN! physicians via consult. If I can find a reasonable

argument for seeking such support, I believe parents would certainly be willing

to give it a try.

Any ideas are welcome...would addressing dysbiosis help? Is this a huge marker

for toxic overload? ...I'm really open to a wide spectrum of ideas, from the

theoretical to the practical.

With gratitude,

Carla, mama to Aidan, who is a shining light and bravely forges her path as a

typical teenager and uniquely gifted and challenged individual...

June 5, 2011

Carla:Â Hi! Â Besides putting the child on a good nutrient vitamin-mineral

formula

to make sure he isn't missing some essential element, I wouldÂ suggest the

parents do a 90-food IgG hypersensitivity study, andÂ (if you can get a few

days

without him ingesting his own feces) a comprehensive stool study with

parisitology (I use Doctors' Data).Â If he doesn't already have some severe

dysbiosis, he will soon if he continues this troublesome stim.Â Quite a

challenge!Â Dr. JM

________________________________

To: csb-autism-rx

Sent: Sun, June 5, 2011 4:35:46 AM

Subject: Seeking perspective on coprophagia in a toddler with

autism

Â

Hello,

I am a mama of an almost-13 year old who has come light years on biomed, etc. In

my work, I am a social worker in an early intervention system that has its eyes

screwed tightly shut rather than acknowledge the power and possibility it holds

for families facing ASD...in part because of widespread poverty and the belief

that it's no fair to tell parents about expensive diets, and interventions that

are not covered by insurance, when basic life-needs are difficult to meet.

Within that context, I am turning to the wisest group of people I know for some

understanding, and possibly ideas, for parents of a two year old with an autism

diagnosis, who seems obsessed with eating his poop. The parents have tried being

quicker than the child so that they can change his diaper before he gets to it.

They have tried creating fashion obstacles, such as overalls on backwards, to

restrict his access. So far, he has just become better at hiding when he has to

eliminate, and more persistent at worming his hands up through his pants legs

and down his sleeves. Duct tape has been less effective and more problematic

than hoped.