Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 We are dealing with Pica too. Mostly products. He is very sneaky about it because he knows it upsets me. Haven't really found anything that replaces the chewing sensation for him. What does your child eat? To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 9:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 We are dealing it a bit too. Chase will put food he finds on the ground in his mouth, eraser shavings, boogers, and things like seaweed or crabs from the beach. He has even picked his rear and then put his fingers in his mouth!I just get really upset and remind him he will get sick!Doesn't help....Sent from my iPhone We are dealing with Pica too. Mostly products. He is very sneaky about it because he knows it upsets me. Haven't really found anything that replaces the chewing sensation for him. What does your child eat? To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 9:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... = Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 Yes, he drinks 3 Ensure a day and gets LOTS of iron! To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 7:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 Mine eats mostly wood....wooden window sill....wooden blinds...etc. He is 9 going on 10 To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:53 PM Subject: Re: PICA We are dealing with Pica too. Mostly products. He is very sneaky about it because he knows it upsets me. Haven't really found anything that replaces the chewing sensation for him. What does your child eat? To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 9:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 Yes, my son's blood work was normal.....he also eats paint b/c it's on the wood he's eating...I've had him tested for lead also. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 My son's iron was normal too, but when we tested for his Ferritin iron levels his was 5 and supposed to be 20. Once we started him on a liquid supplement he stopped eating paper. He also ate all the foam out of his little recliner. I was afraid he would get an obstruction. So you may want to consider getting his Ferritin checked as well. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 9:51 AM Subject: Re: PICA Yes, my son's blood work was normal.....he also eats paint b/c it's on the wood he's eating...I've had him tested for lead also. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 How did you know to check his Ferritin levels? To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:01 AM Subject: Re: PICA My son's iron was normal too, but when we tested for his Ferritin iron levels his was 5 and supposed to be 20. Once we started him on a liquid supplement he stopped eating paper. He also ate all the foam out of his little recliner. I was afraid he would get an obstruction. So you may want to consider getting his Ferritin checked as well. From: R. Tucker To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 9:51 AM Subject: Re: PICA Yes, my son's blood work was normal.....he also eats paint b/c it's on the wood he's eating...I've had him tested for lead also. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 Interesting. I've never heard of that before. I will bring it up at our next appointment b/c those are the things my son eats too. Foam, paper towels, toilet paper etc. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 10:01 AM Subject: Re: PICA My son's iron was normal too, but when we tested for his Ferritin iron levels his was 5 and supposed to be 20. Once we started him on a liquid supplement he stopped eating paper. He also ate all the foam out of his little recliner. I was afraid he would get an obstruction. So you may want to consider getting his Ferritin checked as well. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 9:51 AM Subject: Re: PICA Yes, my son's blood work was normal.....he also eats paint b/c it's on the wood he's eating...I've had him tested for lead also. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2012 Report Share Posted May 20, 2012 I work for a nurse practitioner. It was really a fluke. My husband had recently had a mono relapse, and we had tested for EVERYTHING. Turns out his ferritin is low too, so we just decided to run that on Cole to make sure, as my husbands regular iron count was normal as well. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:23 AM Subject: Re: PICA How did you know to check his Ferritin levels? To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:01 AM Subject: Re: PICA My son's iron was normal too, but when we tested for his Ferritin iron levels his was 5 and supposed to be 20. Once we started him on a liquid supplement he stopped eating paper. He also ate all the foam out of his little recliner. I was afraid he would get an obstruction. So you may want to consider getting his Ferritin checked as well. From: R. Tucker To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 9:51 AM Subject: Re: PICA Yes, my son's blood work was normal.....he also eats paint b/c it's on the wood he's eating...I've had him tested for lead also. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 The blood test for iron is known to be inaccurate at times. There is also increasing evidence that the individual requirement for iron may vary quite a bit. My doctor explained once why the standard test for iron is not very useful, but I can't remember why.  My son's iron was normal too, but when we tested for his Ferritin iron levels his was 5 and supposed to be 20. Once we started him on a liquid supplement he stopped eating paper. He also ate all the foam out of his little recliner. I was afraid he would get an obstruction. So you may want to consider getting his Ferritin checked as well. From: R. Tucker To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 9:51 AM Subject: Re: PICA  Yes, my son's blood work was normal.....he also eats paint b/c it's on the wood he's eating...I've had him tested for lead also.  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 Good. Mine eats erasers and he isn't anemic either. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA I tried to say PAPER products. Don't know what happened to that word. Anyway, I don't know about the original poster, but my son is not anemic. All blood work is normal. It seems to be a sensory issue. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:30 AM Subject: Re: PICA Is he getting enough iron? I've heard that it may be caused by an iron deficiency. To: "autism-aspergers " <autism-aspergers > Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:50 PM Subject: PICA Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 Hi ,A lot of ASD kids mouth and eat inappropriate things. My son used to eat sand, dirt and leaves. I couldn't get him to touch anything but potato chips and french fries, but he would go outside and eat dirt???? It has to do with the texture (a need for certain textures as a reassurance, I suppose), or the sound it makes inside their heads when they chew. Perhaps it blocks out unwanted stimulus in a way they can control. Fortunately, my son grew out of this need as he matured and was able to handle more stimulus and found other ways of coping. I have heard that most ASD kids do eventually outgrow their need for this. If your child is eating something toxic or dangerous, I would high recommend providing a substitute that they enjoy as much, but is more tolerable for you. The trick is finding what sensory need he is trying to fulfill. Debra Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 My son is 9. Do you remember when your son outgrew this behavior? He does have chew things (OT products) but he doesn't USE THEM!! Even if I put it around his neck he'll put a book in his mouth, etc.Their was a post awhile ago about licking things.....he does that too...licks the back of his hand, canes, wet floor signs in grocery stores, etc....very oral!!! To: autism-aspergers Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA Hi ,A lot of ASD kids mouth and eat inappropriate things. My son used to eat sand, dirt and leaves. I couldn't get him to touch anything but potato chips and french fries, but he would go outside and eat dirt???? It has to do with the texture (a need for certain textures as a reassurance, I suppose), or the sound it makes inside their heads when they chew. Perhaps it blocks out unwanted stimulus in a way they can control. Fortunately, my son grew out of this need as he matured and was able to handle more stimulus and found other ways of coping. I have heard that most ASD kids do eventually outgrow their need for this. If your child is eating something toxic or dangerous, I would high recommend providing a substitute that they enjoy as much, but is more tolerable for you. The trick is finding what sensory need he is trying to fulfill. Debra Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 No, my son doesn't lick. He almost never chews anything anymore either. He is nearly 12. He stopped the excessive chewing when he was about 8 or 9. But, I also supply him with gum (even at school). My son is 9. Do you remember when your son outgrew this behavior? He does have chew things (OT products) but he doesn't USE THEM!! Even if I put it around his neck he'll put a book in his mouth, etc. Their was a post awhile ago about licking things.....he does that too...licks the back of his hand, canes, wet floor signs in grocery stores, etc....very oral!!! To: autism-aspergers Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA Hi ,A lot of ASD kids mouth and eat inappropriate things. My son used to eat sand, dirt and leaves. I couldn't get him to touch anything but potato chips and french fries, but he would go outside and eat dirt???? It has to do with the texture (a need for certain textures as a reassurance, I suppose), or the sound it makes inside their heads when they chew. Perhaps it blocks out unwanted stimulus in a way they can control. Fortunately, my son grew out of this need as he matured and was able to handle more stimulus and found other ways of coping. I have heard that most ASD kids do eventually outgrow their need for this. If your child is eating something toxic or dangerous, I would high recommend providing a substitute that they enjoy as much, but is more tolerable for you. The trick is finding what sensory need he is trying to fulfill. Debra Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 My son gets gum too, but not at bedtime when his habit seems to go on overdrive. Maybe bordom....trying to fall asleep? IDK but I don't want to give him gum at bedtime. My son w/ autism is homeschooled so he gets gum whenever he wants. To: autism-aspergers Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:55 AM Subject: Re: PICA No, my son doesn't lick. He almost never chews anything anymore either. He is nearly 12. He stopped the excessive chewing when he was about 8 or 9. But, I also supply him with gum (even at school). My son is 9. Do you remember when your son outgrew this behavior? He does have chew things (OT products) but he doesn't USE THEM!! Even if I put it around his neck he'll put a book in his mouth, etc. Their was a post awhile ago about licking things.....he does that too...licks the back of his hand, canes, wet floor signs in grocery stores, etc....very oral!!! To: autism-aspergers Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA Hi ,A lot of ASD kids mouth and eat inappropriate things. My son used to eat sand, dirt and leaves. I couldn't get him to touch anything but potato chips and french fries, but he would go outside and eat dirt???? It has to do with the texture (a need for certain textures as a reassurance, I suppose), or the sound it makes inside their heads when they chew. Perhaps it blocks out unwanted stimulus in a way they can control. Fortunately, my son grew out of this need as he matured and was able to handle more stimulus and found other ways of coping. I have heard that most ASD kids do eventually outgrow their need for this. If your child is eating something toxic or dangerous, I would high recommend providing a substitute that they enjoy as much, but is more tolerable for you. The trick is finding what sensory need he is trying to fulfill. Debra Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2012 Report Share Posted May 21, 2012 Every kid is different. You may also want to try some biomechanical therapy. When my son was getting cranial sacral therapy twice a week a lot of his sensory issues just disappeared. It is a very mild touch to stimulate the cranial nerves and central nervous system. There are other forms of biomechanical therapy, but CST is the only one we tried and it worked wonders. Usually, licensed massage therapists and physical therapists are the only ones trained in it, but finding one that works with kids is like finding a needle in a hay stack. My son gets gum too, but not at bedtime when his habit seems to go on overdrive. Maybe bordom....trying to fall asleep? IDK but I don't want to give him gum at bedtime. My son w/ autism is homeschooled so he gets gum whenever he wants. To: autism-aspergers Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:55 AM Subject: Re: PICA No, my son doesn't lick. He almost never chews anything anymore either. He is nearly 12. He stopped the excessive chewing when he was about 8 or 9. But, I also supply him with gum (even at school). My son is 9. Do you remember when your son outgrew this behavior? He does have chew things (OT products) but he doesn't USE THEM!! Even if I put it around his neck he'll put a book in his mouth, etc. Their was a post awhile ago about licking things.....he does that too...licks the back of his hand, canes, wet floor signs in grocery stores, etc....very oral!!! To: autism-aspergers Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:45 AM Subject: Re: PICA Hi ,A lot of ASD kids mouth and eat inappropriate things. My son used to eat sand, dirt and leaves. I couldn't get him to touch anything but potato chips and french fries, but he would go outside and eat dirt???? It has to do with the texture (a need for certain textures as a reassurance, I suppose), or the sound it makes inside their heads when they chew. Perhaps it blocks out unwanted stimulus in a way they can control. Fortunately, my son grew out of this need as he matured and was able to handle more stimulus and found other ways of coping. I have heard that most ASD kids do eventually outgrow their need for this. If your child is eating something toxic or dangerous, I would high recommend providing a substitute that they enjoy as much, but is more tolerable for you. The trick is finding what sensory need he is trying to fulfill. Debra Anyone have a child that suffers from PICA? I do. Wondering if you've found anything that helps? My son usually only does this at night when he's unsupervised in his bedroom. I'm guessing he'd do it more often during the day but has realized that it's not appropriate and is aware of the peer pressure..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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