Episode Details

Pica can be a serious safety concern for autistic children and adults, particularly when someone repeatedly eats or mouths non-food items.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares 35 years of firsthand experience raising his severely autistic son, Michael. Speaking as a parent rather than a clinician, Mike explains what pica has looked like in their family and the practical steps they've taken to reduce risk.

Mike discusses examples ranging from eating rocks, leaves, dirt, and clothing to chewing napkins and household products. He also recounts a frightening incident in which Michael bit into a chlorine tablet at the family's pool.

The conversation goes beyond the most obvious safety measures. Mike explains how his family experimented with different fabrics, secured potentially dangerous household items, considered sensory-seeking patterns, and used structured walking, counting, engagement, and small rewards to redirect behavior.

The episode also explores possible contributing factors discussed in professional resources, including sensory needs and nutritional deficiencies.

This episode is intended as a parent-to-parent conversation and not as medical advice. Families should consult qualified professionals about pica, nutritional concerns, poisoning risks, and other potentially dangerous behaviors.

In This Episode

• What pica can look like in autism
• Why pica can create serious safety risks
• A chlorine tablet incident and an important safety lesson
• Clothing and fabric choices that reduced chewing
• Securing food, toiletries, and other household items
• Sensory-seeking behavior and pica
• Possible nutritional factors
• Using structured activities and rewards for redirection
• Lessons learned through decades of caregiving

🎙 About Autism Labs

Autism Labs provides practical, real-world information for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting autistic children, teens, and adults, including people with profound or significant support needs.

Website: https://www.autismlabs.com/

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