Definition
Pica is the persistent eating of non-food items such as paper, fabric, or small objects. It is more common among autistic children and can be linked to sensory seeking, nutritional factors, or self-regulation.
Why It Matters
A 2021 CDC-led study in Pediatrics of children aged 30 to 68 months found pica in 23.2 percent of autistic children, compared with 3.5 percent of children from the general population. Pica can pose real health and safety risks, so it deserves calm, informed attention, including a medical check for underlying causes. Meeting the sensory need with safe alternatives is often part of the response.
Common Misconception
Pica is not simply misbehavior or a phase to scold away. It often has a sensory or physiological driver, and safe oral-sensory alternatives plus professional guidance work better than punishment.