🥄 What Is Pica? Understanding This Often-Misunderstood Feeding Disorder

Pica is a lesser-known feeding disorder, but for those who experience it — or support someone who does — it can raise serious questions and concerns.

Simply put, PICA involves eating things that aren’t food and have no nutritional value. This might include:

• Paper

• Soap

• Paint chips

• Chalk

• Clay

• Ice

• Hair

• Soil or sand

  
  

It’s not just about curiosity or a one-off behaviour — for a diagnosis of PICA, this pattern must continue for at least one month, and be developmentally inappropriate. That means it isn’t part of typical early-childhood exploration or a cultural practice.

🧠 When Is It Pica?

Babies and toddlers often put things in their mouths — it’s part of how they learn about the world. So, PICA is generally not diagnosed in children under the age of two, as mouthing objects is expected at that stage.

But when the behaviour continues beyond early childhood, becomes persistent, or causes harm, it may indicate something more serious.

PICA can occur in:

• Children and adults

• Neurodivergent individuals

• People with nutritional deficiencies (e.g. low iron or zinc)

• Those experiencing stress, trauma, or certain mental health challenges

  
  

⚠️ Why Does It Matter?

PICA isn’t always easy to spot — sometimes, it’s only discovered when medical consequences appear, such as:

• Cracked or damaged teeth

• Digestive issues

• Internal blockages

• Infections

• Heavy metal toxicity (from items like paint or batteries)

  
  

These risks mean it’s essential to approach PICA with care and prompt support — not punishment or shame.

💡 How Can Help PICA?

If you suspect someone may be experiencing PICA, it’s important to:

🔹 Seek medical advice to rule out underlying causes

🔹 Explore sensory or emotional needs that may be driving the behaviour

🔹 Create a safe environment by reducing access to harmful substances

🔹 Offer alternative sensory input (e.g. chewable jewellery, textured snacks)

🔹 Stay calm and supportive — curiosity and connection are more helpful than correction

📘 Want to Learn More?

We’ve created a resource to help families, carers, and professionals understand Pica in more depth — from causes to strategies for support.

👉 Visit our Learn Zone to find out more

💙 Final Thoughts

Pica can feel confusing or worrying, but it’s not unusual — and it’s certainly not anyone’s fault. With understanding, awareness, and the right support, people experiencing Pica can stay safe, feel seen, and get the help they need.