My son has SPD and a constant battle of Bum Picking

by Mark
(Ireland)

My son is 9 years old and has been diagnosed with SPD since he was 6 years. I can deal with virtually every aspect of his disorder apart from his constant bum picking which ends up on his fingers and then in his mouth.




I have tried speaking to him and explaining what he was doing is not healthy and he is going to make the rest of the family ill by spreading germs around the house with his hands, this picking comes about when he is focused mainly when playing his games, activities or watching TV.

This is so hard to write and put out there but any help in this area would be great.



Comments for My son has SPD and a constant battle of Bum Picking

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 30, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Son picking at 12 please help!
by: V.Bill

My son is 12 and doing this really badly. I know these posts are from 2015 so is there any hope for him growing out of this or any help you receive I’m at my wits end. Tonight he had a whole hand and bum covered in it.
Jul 16, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same
by: Anonymous

Hi, my 7 1/2 is doing this two. He smeared alot has a child but it seemed to stop for a couple of years now started with the picking and then fingers in mouth. Did any of you find a way to help your children? I think my sons has been brought on by stress and now turned into a obsession.
May 23, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		our help
by: Anonymous

Try cutting the dairy out, it was a huge improvement for us!!
Jan 14, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Try to figure out which sensory system is being served
by: Anonymous

If you know your child's particular sensory profile you might be able to figure out what sensation the picking is providing. It might be a strong smell/taste ( I know, yuck, but kids with SPD are just trying to find sensory balance). If it is you maybe could provide some smell or taste more hygienic but very accessible.

If your child has trouble with feeling their bum when they sit still (and they are using the picking to give their brain input) then giving them a bumpy or squishy or prickly seat might reduce the unconscious need to provide stimulation. Be prepared to have to prompt use of a new strategy very regularly for a while- old habits die hard for all of us.

SPD parents get to be great sensory detectives!
Jan 13, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		i need help to
by: Mrs Cowan

my son is 9 years old and he picks as well, its horrible and i do not know what to do i have tried everything to get him to stop its like he doesnt fully know he is doing it. He is not diagnosed with spd as i have only found out about this through my own research. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks
Mrs Cowan
Jan 26, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Parasites
by: Anonymous

Have your child checked for parasites. Low stomach acid makes them more susceptible to infection.
Apr 28, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sensory issues
by: Anonymous

Good luck getting help I'm pretty Sour after bout 3 years of doctors ignoring me just trying to help solve a little boys problem I over paid medical people just ignore u I'm sorry very disgusted ! Good luck I'm so tired of searching!!!
Dec 23, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same
by: Anonymous

Dealing with the exact same issue, same talks with my son but nothing is changing. Solutions, ideas any help would be great.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to The SPD Q & A.