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Pica and autism in toddlers8/14/2023 ![]() 2014), which means that they can be very fastidious about which foods they accept and which they refuse. The most prevalent symptom for children with ASD is food selectivity (Cermak et al. Generally, the terms ‘feeding difficulties’ and ‘feeding problems’ are commonly used to specifically refer to problems in (early) childhood which do not necessarily lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or psychosocial problems for the child (yet). ![]() Terms that are often used are ‘neophobia’ (systematic rejection of novel food), ‘picky eating’ (low appetite, fussy behavior or sensory problems), ‘feeding disorder’ (cases with nutritional, organic or emotional consequences) and ‘feeding difficulties’ (an umbrella term indicating that there is a problem with feeding of some sort) (see Kerzner et al. However, there is currently no consensus on terminology with regard to definitions of feeding problems and their symptoms. Systematic reviews on feeding problems in ASD have provided robust evidence of significant feeding problems in this population (Ledford and Gast 2006 Sharp et al. This illustrates how both scientific studies and clinical experience suggest that feeding problems are frequently comorbid with ASD. Also, the co-authors of this article report from clinical experience that a-specific symptoms, such as problems with sleeping and eating, are often the first to emerge in young children, in many cases before the onset of more specific symptoms of ASD. For this reason, it has been argued that the presence of severe, atypical or chronic feeding problems should alert professionals in the direction of underlying ASD (Keen 2008), in children as well as in adults (Dell’Osso et al. Roughly 44% to 89% of children with ASD have feeding problems (Cermak et al. ( 2013a, b) estimated that children with ASD have a fivefold probability of having feeding problems compared to children without ASD. A relation between ASD and feeding problems has been identified early in the history of ASD research (e.g. Because so many factors contributed to pica, it’s best to get help in determining the best plan to keep your child safe from foreign substances they introduce to their own bodies.Children with ASD form a heterogeneous group, with varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, social communication, and rigidity, and with varying psychiatric comorbidity (APA 2013). Behavior modification is a useful approach, but should be handled with consistency by a professional lest the behaviors simply be driven into secrecy. Sensory chew toys can provide a viable outlet for the child seeking oral stimulation. ![]() Many have reported that the addition of zinc to a child’s diet alleviates pica. Consultation with a nutritional expert may unearth deficiencies which can be addressed. Scrupulous attention to child-proofing your home is recommended, as is personal vigilance in watching your child. Still others may have mental health issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia. Some children simply lack the ability to discriminate between edible and non-edible substances, while others have sensory issues like a need for oral stimulation. Pica behaviors can indicate dietary deficiencies such as anemia. The very young all go through the stage of putting everything in their mouths, but some children persist with the behavior. Obviously, many of these substances pose considerable dangers such as lead poisoning from paint chips, gastrointestinal obstructions, bowel problems, dental calamities, parasitic infections from dirt and feces and intestinal perforation. Among the other common cravings are clay, paint chips, plaster, chalk, cornstarch, laundry starch, baking soda, coffee grounds, cigarette ashes & butts, feces,buttons, glue, ice, sand and toothpaste. Geophagy is the term for pica sufferers who eat dirt. Women and children with autism are most vulnerable to pica. Hospitalizations for pica incidents have risen a startling 93% over the last ten years, a jump attributed to the rise in autism. Children between the age of two and three, and/or people with developmental disabilities display pica behavior such as consuming dirt, hair, foam, paper, etc. The word “pica” comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for eating anything in its path. Pica is an abnormal craving for non-edible substances.
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