It’s not uncommon for toddlers to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. But what happens when your child continues to eat items that aren’t food — and it doesn’t stop? You might be dealing with something more than a phase. It could be PICA, a little-known condition that many parents aren’t told about.
At AskEllie, we hear from parents every week who are worried about this very behaviour. If you’re one of them, you’re not alone — and you deserve answers.
What Is PICA?
PICA is a recognised eating disorder where a person regularly eats things that aren’t considered food. This might include:
- Paper, cardboard, or tissues
- Soil or sand
- Chalk or paint flakes
- Hair or string
- Fabric or foam
- Plastic or metal objects
- Crayons, candles, or soap
To be classed as PICA, this behaviour must persist for at least a month and not be developmentally appropriate (for example, not part of normal toddler teething behaviour).
Who Is Affected by PICA?
PICA can affect people of all ages, but it’s especially common in:
- Children with SEND — including autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities
- Children with sensory processing differences
- Children with nutritional deficiencies, especially iron or zinc
- Those experiencing chronic stress or trauma
Why It Happens
There’s no single cause for PICA. It might stem from:
- A sensory need (seeking texture or pressure in the mouth)
- Nutritional deficiencies (the body craving minerals it lacks)
- Anxiety or trauma responses
- Difficulty communicating needs, especially in non-verbal children
- A habit that’s become reinforced by comfort or routine
In many cases, children use these behaviours to self-regulate, especially if they are overwhelmed or anxious.
When to Worry
If your child is repeatedly eating non-food items, it’s time to take action — especially if:
- It’s happening daily or weekly
- They’re over the age of 2
- There are safety concerns, such as choking, poisoning, or gut blockage
- It’s interfering with their ability to eat regular meals
- They seem unwell, have frequent stomach aches, or signs of malnutrition
What Can You Do?
✅ Speak to your GP or paediatrician
Ask for a referral to community paediatrics or a developmental team. If your child has other SEND needs, this may help fast-track support.
✅ Request a blood test
Iron, zinc, and vitamin deficiencies can be both a cause and a result of PICA. A simple blood test can check for these.
✅ Mention PICA in your EHCP or SEND assessments
If your child already has an EHCP or is undergoing assessment, make sure this behaviour is clearly documented. It may help access support at school or from health services.
✅ Avoid shaming
PICA is not your child’s fault. Try to avoid negative reactions, and instead focus on safety and redirection.
✅ Track patterns
Keep a record of what they’re eating, when it happens, and what might trigger it. This can help identify sensory, emotional, or environmental links.
✅ Child-proof the environment
This isn’t always easy, but making high-risk objects harder to access can help reduce harm.
✅ Ask for specialist support
This might include an occupational therapist (OT), feeding team, or clinical psychologist. Be persistent if services are slow to respond — your concerns are valid.
Real-Life Example
One mum told us:
“My son was constantly chewing foam and plastic. Everyone thought he’d grow out of it, but I knew something wasn’t right. It took two years and five professionals to finally get the diagnosis. I wish someone had told me about PICA sooner.”
Need Help Navigating the System?
If you’re not being listened to by your GP, school, or local authority, AskEllie can help you understand your rights, write to professionals, and push for action.
We’ve supported hundreds of families like yours — and we’re here to help you advocate for your child.
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