In my practice, I often see children and teens who begin chewing non-food items because they are having trouble managing anxiety or frustration. Some research suggests that around 40 percent of children with autism have an anxiety disorder. We know that anxiety is particularly common among children and teens who have autism. So let’s consider your son’s new habit from three possible angles: emotional coping, sensory stimulation and attention seeking. Figuring out “why”Īny plan to address a problem behavior should begin with some detective work to figure out what’s driving it. So it’s important for you to alert your son’s doctor to his pica and have him appropriately evaluated. Pica can also produce serious medical problems such as lead poisoning. On rare occasions, pica results from nutritional deficiencies.
You can learn more about these Autism Speaks pica guides and download them free of charge. The ATN developed these tool kits as part of its role as the federal funded Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health (AIR-P). In addition to my tips below, I also highly recommend two Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network guidebooks – Pica: A Guide for Parents and Pica: A Guide for Professionals. But my overview and general strategies are no substitute for working with a behavioral and/or occupational therapist to develop a personalized intervention program for your son. I’m glad to share some of my insights as an occupational therapist who frequently works with families whose children have this dangerous tendency. Both are very common among people who have autism. The habit of swallowing non-food items is called pica. Chewing on things can be a form of repetitive behavior. Your family is far from alone in grappling with this problem.
The hospital is one of 14 centers in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN).Įditor’s note: The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist. This week’s “Food for Thought” post is by occupational therapist Moira Pena, of Toronto’s Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. I also find objects around the house with teeth marks on them. Lately, he’s been chewing on his shirt collars as well as chewing and sometimes swallowing things like pen caps, erasers and all sorts of paper. Our 17-year-old son has a diagnosis of autism and developmental delay.