Help for Smearing in Autism

 

Human behavior, in all its complexity, is not immune to the fundamental principles of learning. Even the most perplexing actions—such as fecal smearing in autistic individuals—are governed by neurological imperatives, sensory needs, and conditioned responses.

 If we are to address this behavior ethically, sensitively and effectively, we must discard moral judgment in favor of science.

First, we must recognize the origins of this act. 

For some, it is sensory-seeking—an exploration of texture and touch. For others, it is communication, a desperate attempt to externalize internal distress.  Communication programs must be provided and taught wherever possible. 

See the free film 'Spellers' on Youtube. Just because a person is non-verbal does not equate to low intelligence, often a huge error of judgement made across the board by some parents and professionals. 

Non-verbal people are often unable to express their emotions which leads to huge frustration and upset, they feel the need to act out due to this awful situation.

 They can be horribly underestimated and misunderstood. 

In certain cases, it can be the byproduct of gastrointestinal discomfort.

 Without addressing these root causes, all interventions are futile.

Behavior, whether conscious or reflexive, follows the laws of conditioning. 

Classical conditioning teaches us that we can reshape associations—pairing alternative sensory stimuli with the same satisfaction feces provide. 

Operant conditioning tells us that behaviors reinforced—by attention, escape, or sensory input—will persist. 

The solution, then, is to try to provide communication first, and alter reinforcement contingencies: reward proper toileting, neutralize reactions to smearing, and offer structured, engaging alternatives.

The ethical dimension is paramount.

Punishment is a failure of our imagination.

 We must cultivate environments that shape behavior not through coercion but through understanding. 

Progress is possible, but only if we engage with these challenges from a scientific perspective. 

Ai assisted. 

Elizabeth Lucy Robillard, 2025



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