Reply #29: Teacher sounds abusive to me; Look up "Encopresis" on Google

[LeighAnn]

Why would people assume there was abuse in the home? Several in this thread have suggested that, even though they have no information about this child's home life. If this kid has emotional problems, they could just as well be because of this abusive teacher.

Oh by the way,

Encopresis (soiling) is the diagnosis given to an individual who passes feces in inappropriate places either with or without intent. Some estimate that it affects from 3 to 8% of the general population of children, with boys being four to five times more likely than girls to have encopresis. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - IV, which delineates disorders, for a child to be diagnosed with this problem, he must be at least 4 years old, not have some physical or medical problems and must exhibit the problem behavior at least once a month for three months.

Q "My 6-year-old still has "accidents" and soils his pants. Should I make him clean it up?"

A. A 6-year-old child with a soiling problem should be evaluated. It is important to rule out any physiological reason for the problem. Without a physical or medical cause, parents may do best with guidance from a mental health professional about setting up an appropriate behavioral plan. One of the most important tasks for parents to do is to handle their own frustration with the child's "accidents." If a child is involved in the cleanup, it should be done without fanfare. It is best for a parent to stay calm about the situation rather than embarrass or reprimand the child.