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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My son is extremely aggressive with severe pica, any suggestions? Seems like everythings been tried but to no avail.

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Canada, CO
November 11, 2011
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Answer Summary

Members shared experiences and strategies for managing severe pica and aggression in children with autism, with several suggesting that pica... Read more

Members shared experiences and strategies for managing severe pica and aggression in children with autism, with several suggesting that pica can sometimes indicate nutritional deficiencies like iron or other vitamins that should be checked through lab work. Many community members described trying various interventions including sensory integration therapy, dietary changes like the GAPS diet, offering favorite foods when a child attempts to eat non-food items, keeping chew toys readily available, and working with medical professionals to find the right medication when safety becomes a concern. A recurring theme was the exhausting trial-and-error process of finding what works, the importance of giving interventions adequate time before deciding effectiveness, and the need for persistence despite setbacks when behaviors are severe and longstanding.

A MyAutismTeam Member

I don't know what you have actually tried. I found that keeping chew toys available everywhere helps my sons pica. Sensory Integration Therapy helps a great deal with moods, aggression, ability to focus, etc.

November 11, 2011
A MyAutismTeam Member

sensory integration therapy sounds very interesting . I may have to try that for my Daughter and her sensory issues with Pica.

October 6, 2014
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son had Pica and needed iron.

December 8, 2011
A MyAutismTeam Member

We have tried leaving chew toys, but he will go to feces, Wall plaster (has made holes in walls and chews the Jiprock (hope I spelled it right). He pulls out the carpeting and eats it. His boxspring and mattress have to be on floor because he chewed all the underneath...Blankets, comforters clothes, sand, rocks, pillows, chairs etc....have all been ingested...Boxing gloves on his hands have been tried....Special Diets have been tried but to no avail...Behavior modifications programs have been tried. We adopted a little guy and if our 7 year old sees pull-ups soiled or not he will ingest them...Numerous meds and antipsychotics have been tried to help with all the behaviors again to noavail...He also night walks all night...he cannot relax to sleep.....Stuffy toys cannot be allowed in his room, because he will eat them. He will ingest anything and everything that can be found....

November 12, 2011
A MyAutismTeam Member

wow, see with my son i cant get a ounce of weight on him, hes go go go all day he burns off the little bit he eats, hes over 3 feet tall, but only weigh 27 #s, real tall n leggy kid, no waist either .

November 14, 2011

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