Faecal Smearing Support Resources
What is Faecal Smearing?
A misunderstood behaviour with underlying reasons
Faecal smearing is when a person uses or spreads faeces on themselves, objects, or surroundings. While confronting or distressing to witness, this behaviour is rarely done to “be naughty.” It’s often a way of communicating discomfort, responding to sensory needs, or coping with overwhelming feelings. With understanding and the right supports, we can reduce distress, improve hygiene and safety, and help individuals express their needs in safer, more comfortable ways.
It can look different for everyone
Not everyone who engages in faecal smearing does it for the same reasons or in the same way. Some may do it for sensory exploration, others because of medical discomfort, toileting challenges, or emotional distress. Recognising these differences is key to understanding what’s driving the behaviour and finding approaches that truly help.
Support should focus on safety and dignity
Reacting with anger or shame doesn’t stop faecal smearing, it often increases anxiety or distress. Real support respects the individual’s dignity while calmly addressing hygiene, health, and emotional needs. By exploring the root causes and introducing alternative ways to meet sensory or communication needs, we can help reduce or prevent this behaviour over time.
Championing people who engage in Faecal Smearing
This behaviour can feel overwhelming for families and carers, but support is possible. We work alongside individuals and support networks to understand why it’s happening and introduce safe, respectful strategies for change.
Improving toileting routines and hygiene supports
We develop step-by-step, supportive routines for toileting and self-care that reduce accidents and anxiety.
Supporting emotional regulation and comfort
We teach calming tools and coping strategies to help individuals feel safe and supported during moments of distress.
Building communication and expression skills
We introduce visual supports, devices, or other methods to help individuals express discomfort, boredom, or emotional needs without smearing.
Offering safe sensory alternatives
We provide appropriate materials and activities that meet sensory needs without using faeces.
Collaborating with families, schools, and services
We ensure everyone involved responds consistently and calmly, creating safe and supportive environments for change.
How we can help with people who engage in Faecal Smearing?
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to respond calmly and without shame
Guidance for building structured, predictable toileting routines
Support for carers to manage hygiene and reduce household stress
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to identify medical, sensory, or developmental factors contributing to smearing
Recommendations for therapeutic supports and environmental adjustments
NDIS planning to include continence or specialised behavioural support services
Skill-Building and Sensory Support →
Introducing safe sensory tools and textures to meet exploration needs
Coaching for hygiene skills, toileting independence, and self-care routines
Visual aids and structured steps for bathroom use and clean-up
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans that address underlying triggers such as discomfort, anxiety, or boredom
Strategies to redirect behaviour safely with alternative sensory activities
Training for educators and carers to respond consistently and effectively
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to explore emotional or trauma-based reasons for smearing
Support for managing anxiety or communication challenges linked to toileting behaviours
Building emotional regulation and safe expression of needs
Regional Intensives →
In-home, hands-on support for rural or remote families
Practical guidance for carers to manage incidents safely and with dignity
Building sustainable local supports for long-term toileting success
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.