Playing with warm slime, play dough, shaving cream, or even adding sensory-friendly toys into their bedroom for quiet time can be a great outlet for stopping scatolia. Restrictive clothing, such as sleepers or onesies, can be a useful tool to help keep the poop mess contained until you can give baby a change.

What causes scatolia?

Psychologists note that scatolia tends to occur in individuals with a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, autism or post-traumatic stress, especially trauma related to physical or sexual abuse.

How do you stop smearing?

make a structured timetable of the day, showing times when the person can do appropriate smearing activities. avoid asking the person to clear up after themselves, or telling them off, as this may reinforce the behaviour. use minimal interaction, avoid paying too much attention or showing too much reaction.