[THEQ]

Hi I'm THEQ. I have a 21 year old individual with Mega Colon. He is high functioning. Very mild MR. He also has a diagnosis of ODD and intermittent explosive disorder. He will not use tissue to wipe after a bowel movement. We provided him with wipes but he will not use them either. However he as used all the wash clothes in his home to wipe and have a bowel movement in. He than hides them in his drawers and closets for staff to find. We did not buy new ones because of this. He is now using his socks and bed linens and hiding them in his closet. HELP!! Does anybody have a clue why he is doing this and how to stop it.

[Skeezyks]

Hello THEQ: I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

I'm sorry I don't believe I am going to be able to offer you much insight into why the individual you're working with is doing what he's doing. Actually I have a rather long history of working with people who have development disabilities. But I don't know as that is going to be of any consequence here.

From what I understand of ODD, how this individual is acting is in accordance with what would be expected of a person who has that diagnosis. Why he is doing the specific things he is doing is something I could not say. What I can say, I guess, is that there are fetishes people develop around these sorts of things, including such things as wearing & using diapers for example. Perhaps what the individual you're working with has would be considered some sort of fetish. This is something that would really have to be identified by a qualified psychologist I would guess.

Fetishes are notoriously difficult to break. And the general consensus of opinion seems to be that rather than trying to do so, what is best is to simply find ways to indulge the fetish in some safe manner. So, from that perspective, it may be that the best you can do is to try to find ways to help the person you're working with learn ways of indulging in his fetish (if that is in fact what it is) in as safe & hygienic a way as possible. At least this is my thinking with regard to your post.

Here are links to a couple of articles, from PsychCentral's archives, on the subject of ODD:

https://psychcentral.com/disorders/o...rder-symptoms/

https://psychcentral.com/disorders/o...der-treatment/

Good luck!

[Travelinglady]

Hey, THEQ, and welcome to Psych Central! Has the person said why he won't use a tissue? Maybe there's an alternative somehow. Could you get him to put the used washcloths in a can or something? (Sort of treat them like diapers?)

I just want to clarify, do I understand correctly that he has been provided with wipes - as in baby wipes? Do I also understand this is a care home or institution this chap resides in? These diagnoses you referred to, I am ill informed and do not know what they are but might they have anything to do with dementia?

Could he have some sort of fixation with textures? For several years my son was obsessed with how things felt. I got fabric remnants and created a binder like collection of them. So, I am wondering then if this fellow has some sort of similar obsession.

Here is a possible suggestion. Seeing as he will only use fabric to clean himself then why not provide him with such. I don't see it as too much trouble to have rags on hand with which he can do so. You are doing laundry on account of him anyway so washing these rags shouldn't be any more trouble.

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

I just want to clarify, do I understand correctly that he has been provided with wipes - as in baby wipes? Do I also understand this is a care home or institution this chap resides in? These diagnoses you referred to, I am ill informed and do not know what they are but might they have anything to do with dementia?

Could he have some sort of fixation with textures? For several years my son was obsessed with how things felt. I got fabric remnants and created a binder like collection of them. So, I am wondering then if this fellow has some sort of similar obsession.

Here is a possible suggestion. Seeing as he will only use fabric to clean himself then why not provide him with such. I don't see it as too much trouble to have rags on hand with which he can do so. You are doing laundry on account of him anyway so washing these rags shouldn't be any more trouble.

I think if these are actual feces on the rags and possibly ton of it, just washing wouldn’t cut it. It has to be sanitized: perhaps boiled etc It’s bio hazardous to simply wash it and reuse it. Also he is hiding them so the trick is one has to find those rags!

[divine1966]

Would he just use water? Like have a little watering can with a nozzle by the toilet and put water in his self or perhaps hop in a shower every time? He might not like feel of paper on his bottom parts?

Originally Posted by divine1966

I think if these are actual feces on the rags and possibly ton of it, just washing wouldn’t cut it. It has to be sanitized: perhaps boiled etc It’s bio hazardous to simply wash it and reuse it. Also he is hiding them so the trick is one has to find those rags!

Absolutely great thinking!

Originally Posted by divine1966

Would he just use water? Like have a little watering can with a nozzle by the toilet and put water in his self or perhaps hop in a shower every time? He might not like feel of paper on his bottom parts?

Can I add to this idea? I have seen seat showers in hospitals. Is your facility equipped?

A shame there is no bidet.

[Wild Coyote]

Hi THEQ,

Welcome to PC.

Can you possibly get a consult from a behavioral therapist for the person you are trying to work with?

I hope you find the information and the support you may be seeking.
Please make yourself at home. Jump in wherever you feel led to do so.

Your first 5 posts are approved by a moderator before they appear. After 5 approved posts, you will also have access to chatrooms and to the Private Messaging (PM) system.

I hope to see you around the forums.

Wild Coyote