What do I do about my 12 year old son smearing and playing with his feces?

[Janiej315]

He smears it on the carpet and walls and throws pieces of it into corners or confined areas in his room.

[RockRose]

I'm sure you googled this,  and noticed much of the concern of poop smearing is centered around preschoolers,  even toddlers.  But I did find this link that might be helpful.  It talks about people on the autism spectrum smearing poop as a reaction to boredom lack of stimulation, or anxiety especially with those with OCD.  Has the COVID crisis caused him to be sequestered at home with little stimulation?

https://autismawarenesscentre.com/it-happens-fecal-smearing-in-individuals-with-asd/

[Janiej315]

Thanks so much! I will check out the site. He has never been diagnosed with autism but maybe I need to check into that.

[Janiej315]

The site was very helpful and informative. Thanks so much!!!!

[RockRose]

You're welcome!

[RockRose]

Have you consulted a therapist for him?  Is he functioning mainstream in other ways?

[Janiej315]

Yes. He is in therapy and has been since he was 3. He is in mainstream school. He tested as gifted. But he has ADHD. OCD and ODD. This behavior is new and I don't know how to help him stop or even why he does it.