Opal Field Centre for Children with Special Needs

Pica in Autistic Children

Pica is a condition where a child repeatedly eats non-food items. It is more common in autistic children and children with other developmental needs.

Common items children with pica may eat
Paper, books, cardboard
Chalk, sand, soil, stones
Soap, sponge, foam
Hair, cloth, threads
Paint, crayons, pencil tips

Why pica happens in autistic children
Pica is not bad behaviour. It often happens because of one or more of these reasons:
1. Sensory needs
Many autistic children explore the world through their mouths.
They may like certain textures (hard, crunchy, soft)
They may seek oral stimulation
2. Communication difficulties
Some children cannot express:
Hunger
Discomfort
Anxiety So they use behaviour instead.
3. Nutritional deficiencies
Low levels of:
Iron
Zinc
can increase cravings for non-food items.
4. Stress, anxiety or boredom
Changes in routine, lack of structure, or emotional distress can trigger pica.
5. Developmental delay
Younger developmental age increases the likelihood of mouthing behaviours.

Why pica is a concern
Pica can be dangerous if not managed:
Choking
Intestinal blockage
Poisoning (paint, chemicals)
Infections (soil, dirty objects)
Dental damage

How pica is managed (best practice)
Medical support

Check iron and zinc levels

Treat underlying deficiencies

Regular medical monitoring

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Sensory integration therapy

Safe oral alternatives (chewable toys, sensory tools)

Reduce sensory-seeking through structured activities

Behavioural support
Identify why the behaviour happens (ABC: Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence)

Teach safer replacement behaviours

Positive reinforcement

Environmental strategies
Keep unsafe items out of reach
Increase supervision
Provide safe chewable items
Home & school consistency
Same strategies used at home and school
Clear routines
Visual supports

What parents and teachers should remember
✔ Pica is a need, not stubbornness
✔ Punishment does not stop pica
✔ Early intervention reduces risks
✔ Multidisciplinary support works best

A LETTER TO ALL WHO WANT TO KNOW ME BETTER.

From an autistic child and others who are like me.💖💖💖💖💖

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For parents whose child just got diagnosed with autism, it might be hard to deal with the overwhelming feeling the questions in their minds bring. Or the diagnosis can be an explanation to some adults who have been dealing with something they did not know. Either way, with this information come a lot of questions. The best way to understand what this diagnosis is to educate yourself. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. What is autism?
2. What causes autism?
3. How common is autism?
4. What is "the spectrum"?
5. Does my child have autism?
6. Why my child has autism?
7. What do I do if I suspect autism?
8. What if I have autism?
9. What to do after diagnosis of autism?
10. Can my child with autism attend school?

What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder is an umbrella term used for various brain development disorders. They are characterized and thus categorized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Autistic disorder, Rett Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified) and Asperger Syndrome can be listed under this umbrella. There are many characteristics that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as mental inabilities, struggles with motor functions and other mental and health issues that come along. Besides these, some individuals with autism may show extraordinary skills in math, art, music.

Autism is thought to take its roots from early brain development stages. Its symptoms generally occur between the age of 12 and 18 months. Some children may develop normally and don’t show the signs until they reach the age 2. They start to develop autism by losing skills, which is called “regression”. Early intervention and various therapy methods are important for a comfortable life.

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