What is it?

I have a three year old girl who was trached.  She has a genetic anomoly of the Trisomy 7 and she is showing signs of Autsim though her doc doesn't believe me.  Um she just got her trach out after 3 and 1/2 years and we havn't had the okay to eat yet but in a few weeks we will. But she eats paper, shoes, clothe well she chews on them. Is there anyway to get her to stop chewing on those  things so that the eating when allowed will be beneficial.

[Jessica L Thomason Sassi, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

The term for eating inedible objects is “pica” and the behavior analytic literature shows that a variety of interventions can be successful in reducing this behavior, regardless of a child’s diagnosis (whether it be autism or other developmental disabilities).  However, due to the complexity of many of these interventions and the potential severity of this behavior, I’d recommend that you provide close supervision for your daughter and consider getting some professional help.  The Behavior Analyst Certification Board maintains a registry and local search engine for Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs):  http://www.bacb.com/consum_frame.html

In the meanwhile, I’d maintain close supervision of her and make sure that her play area, bedroom, and any other room she can access is free of potentially dangerous items (batteries, nails/tacks, and really any items small enough to fit into her mouth).  After she is cleared to eat items by mouth, you might also consider providing continuous and free access to preferred food.  Until that time, try to keep her fairly engaged with highly preferred (and large and non-toxic) play items that hold her interest – this might help minimize attempts to put items in her mouth. Again, supervision and vigilant monitoring of her surroundings is the best way to keep her safe, even if you are trying some of the other recommendations above.