Encopresis is repeated pooing in inappropriate places beyond the age (4) children are deemed to be able to control this behaviour in a neurotypical child. This may be due to chronic constipation which results in leakage and is involuntary. Children can experience significant shame and embarrassment with this type of encopresis and may develop social anxiety and avoidance to minimise places they could be embarrassed.
Some children do not have constipation but defecation is chosen as a way of communicating. This may be comorbid with other conditions or mental health challenges.
For more information about Encopresis, please see the following links:
