Seeking Help for My 5-Year-Old Son with Autism and Constipation Issues
Hello, I am reaching out regarding my 5-year-old son who is non-verbal and has autism. He also shows signs of ADHD, although this has not yet been officially diagnosed. Typically, he is very energetic, cheerful, and expressive. He thrives in his school environment, where he is supported by a wonderful team of special education teachers. He doesn’t take any regular medications, except for melatonin to assist with his sleep. Recently, on December 19th, he developed a rash while at school, which resembled hives on his neck, face, and feet, with accompanying swelling in his hands. By the time we went to urgent care, the rash had disappeared, and he was given Benadryl. Unfortunately, the rash recurred a couple of times at home, though we only administered Benadryl on two occasions. Following this, during Christmas break, I noticed he became increasingly emotional, crying daily, appearing more fatigued, and having less energy overall, although he was usually still able to be comforted. I visited the pediatrician twice during this period, and lab tests came back normal, except for a positive COVID-19 result. The doctor prescribed guanfacine and clonidine for him (I apologize if I spelled those incorrectly), but I chose not to give him these medications since they weren't intended for behavioral issues. When school resumed, for the most part, he seemed to manage well until last week when he experienced another rash episode at school, occurring twice. I decided to try a non-drowsy allergy medication for him, but his emotional state deteriorated again, leading him to cry throughout the school day. His teachers expressed concern, stating that he appeared to be in discomfort, which they confirmed is not related to behavioral issues. At home, he has been very upset and inconsolable. As a result, I took him to the hospital yesterday. They sedated him for a head CT and abdominal ultrasound, both of which showed no abnormalities. They prescribed Miralax and suggested looking into ABA therapy since his autism diagnosis may automatically point to behavioral factors, which frustrated me. Today, he has spent the entire day crying and has remained in bed, clearly exhausted. I am administering the Miralax, and he seems visibly uncomfortable, but he hasn't had a bowel movement yet. His last stool was two days ago, and only a tiny amount has come out since then. I’m uncertain if the rash and his current symptoms are related to constipation or if I am missing a more serious issue entirely. This is very distressing. We have a dental appointment scheduled for Tuesday to rule out any dental issues, our fourth visit with the pediatrician on Wednesday, and a phone consultation with an allergist also on Wednesday. I would greatly appreciate any insights or questions I should bring up during our pediatrician visit, as well as any tips or suggestions. I'm feeling quite desperate for help. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 8:00:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with your son. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with multiple health concerns. Here are some important points and suggestions to help you navigate this situation effectively.
Main Points:
- Your son's emotional distress and fatigue are concerning, especially after the recent COVID-19 diagnosis and the recurring rash.
- Constipation can significantly affect mood and behavior, especially in children.
- You have scheduled important follow-ups that will help clarify the situation further.
Explanation:
Given your son's complex symptoms, it’s crucial to consider how they interrelate. The emotional changes you're observing could stem from physical discomfort, including constipation, as well as the impact of having COVID-19. The rash may also suggest underlying allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Because he's non-verbal, he may express discomfort through increased emotionality and fatigue.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Bowel Movements: Continue administering Miralax as per the pediatrician’s recommendation. If he hasn’t had a bowel movement soon, consider increasing fluid intake and possibly adding fiber-rich foods, like pureed fruits or vegetables, as tolerated.
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Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Note the timing and characteristics of the rashes, bowel habits, emotional fluctuations, and any potential triggers you observe. This can help your pediatrician and allergist identify patterns.
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Discuss Medication Concerns: During your upcoming pediatrician visit, express your concerns about the emotional distress and inquire if adjustments to the Miralax dosage or alternative constipation management strategies are needed.
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Inquire About Allergy Testing: Given the recurrent rashes, it may be worthwhile to ask the allergist about testing for specific allergens that could be affecting your son.
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Consider a Team Approach: Since you've been advised to look into ABA therapy, discuss the potential benefits with your pediatrician. ABA therapy can support behavioral and emotional well-being, and the team could collaborate on addressing his constipation issues and overall care.
Additional Tips:
- Stay Calm and Supportive: Your son may sense your distress; providing comfort during this time can help both of you.
- Engage in Gentle Activities: Encourage activities he enjoys that are not overly stimulating but allow for connection. This could be reading, coloring, or simply being together in a calm environment.
Follow-Up:
Please keep the scheduled appointments, and don’t hesitate to voice all your observations and concerns with both the pediatrician and allergist. Your proactive approach is key to finding answers and support for your son.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further clarification. You are doing a great job navigating this difficult situation, and support is available.
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