It is important to consult with a physician about pica before attempting treatment. However, I also knew that this is not a recommended method for handling pica in a school setting, because it is foremost a safety issue. I understood that the teachers were using the behavioral method of ignoring the child so that their attention would not be perceived as a reward for eating sand. One teacher smiled at me and said simply, “Yes.” But she did not go to assist the student. As I passed the teachers, I told them that the child was eating sand. The teachers were standing 20 feet away with their backs turned to the student. We passed one student next to the sidewalk who was happily eating handfuls of sand mixed with wood chips and licking sand off the playground toys. How pica found me I was walking my son to preschool one day, and I saw some students from the autism classroom on the playground. Lead poisoning from eating paint chips or roadside dirt.Parasitic infections from eating dirt or feces. Internal injuries requiring emergency surgery.Dental injury from eating hard or abrasive items.Pica is dangerous because it can lead to: According to the National Autism Center, these conditions are all possible causes of pica. Pica is most common in people with developmental disabilities, brain injury, seizure disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. In children under the age of 2, occasional sampling of non-foods is a normal part of sensory development, but pica is a dangerous behavior of persistent cravings that continues longer than 1 month. In many cultures around the world, some types of pica are part of religious or healing rituals, and are considered appropriate within that context. Pagophagia, the pathological consumption of ice, is typically associated with anemia. Pica-related behavior often occurs in children or pregnant women due to nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of iron, zinc or other minerals in the diet. What is Pica? Pica is the urge to eat non-foods such as sand, clay, ice, hair, cloth, starch, chalk, stones, dust, glass, paint, wood, paper, mucus, urine or feces. And if pica knocks on your door, you’re going to need some answers. If you’re squeamish, stop reading now. Resources What you need to know about Picaīut in the disability community, pica may come looking for you.
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