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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Eatting of non-food item
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Eatting of non-food item
by Tresa, Aug 11, 2002 12:00AM
I have a son that is 3 1/2 yrs old now. He has SID and is speech delayed and alittle gross motor delayed. He is in preschool now and rec'd his theraphy at school 1-2 times aweek. But the problem that I also have is that he eats non-food items such as strings anything with fuzz and stuffed animals, rugs,dirt,sand,paper,stickers,anything that has a netting to it and then some. I have spoke with nummerous Dr.s and nobody can give me any ideas of why he does this they have checked his lead and iron levels and they are ok. He is also a VERY picky eatter he will only eat a few things that are food. I know this isn't good for him but he will tell you that it is good and that it taste good and swallows it. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Aug 13, 2002 12:00AM
, Aug 13, 2002 12:00AM
This condition is called Pica and is often witnessed in children who display developmental disorders. There are not always nutritional deficits that contribute to the behavior. It requires close supervision and limit setting, and the management of the behavior is the most sensible intervention.
Member Comments (3)
by ecampbe3, Aug 13, 2002 12:00AM
My son (almost 7) also eats paper, and eats holes in his clothing. He is gifted (IQ in the 99.7 percentile) but has some internal anxiety and is difficult to interact with. We are seeing a therapist, when we catch him eating paper or chewing his clothes - we take away privledges. Not sure how else to handle this.
by Michigan Kitten, Aug 13, 2002 12:00AM
My daughter is 5 and is diagnosed with Ashberg Syndrome. She only chews on her hair, clothes or body parts. Her therapist says its normal and not to worry. She is a very picky eater and will only eat spagetti noodles with sauce. I have yet to find a way to get her to stop. Taking privaliges away does not work, that just means she don't have to socialize with anyone or anything. I'm not sure where to go with this or what else I can do without feeding into the non-socialization, and lack of interest in anything.
