Overview of Pica in Individuals Diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities

Course overview

Pica in individuals with developmental disabilities is known as the persistent consumption of non-food items, such as dirt, paint chips, hair, or rocks, which is not appropriate for the individual's developmental age and is not a culturally accepted behavior. Pica is a common comorbidity with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting 6-26% of individuals with intellectual disability. Pica can lead to serious health issues like lead poisoning, intestinal blockage, and infection. The management of this disorder often involves removing problematic items, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and working with a behavior analyst for specialized interventions. In this course, participants will learn to (1) identify the etiology of pica, (2) identify risks associated with pica, and (3) discuss assessment and treatment methodologies for the exhibition of pica behavior.