An Investigation of Factors Affecting Bowel Movement Hygiene in Autistic Children

Bowel movement hygiene is an essential life skill. Autistic children can have difficulties attaining this skill. There is limited research exploring postbowel movement hygiene (PBMH) and autism. This study explores factors of PBMH for autistic children. An online survey was developed, included open and closed questions, and distributed via Facebook groups. It was completed by N = 74 parents. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Statistically significant correlations were found between variables related to the sensory and motor aspects of PBMH, scared of sitting on toilet and refusal to engage in PBMH (p ≤ 0.5). Four qualitative themes were identified: toilet paper, difficulties in reaching the bottom, health related factors, and successful strategies used by parents. Future research is needed to strengthen the validity of these findings and produce practice guidelines for occupational therapists working in this area.