How to Manage Pica Behavior: Practical Tips Every Parent Needs to Know!

Mike Carr, a father of a 35-year-old son with severe autism, shares his personal experience managing Pica behavior—when individuals eat non-food items. His son has ingested everything from rocks and leaves to toothpaste and deodorant, once even biting into a chlorine tablet from a pool skimmer, which led to a serious health scare. Mike offers practical solutions they've discovered over the years, such as using polyester or knit shirts and cloth napkins to deter chewing, locking up tempting non-edibles like deodorant and toothpaste, and ignoring attention-seeking behaviors when safe. He also mentions possible nutritional causes like iron or zinc deficiencies and recommends a helpful resource, “Pica: A Guide for Professionals,” for additional support.