PICA

A good chunk of the time I'm observing my kids while I'm interacting with them. Knowing they have developmental delays keeps me on my toes for other potential disorders on the horizon. Typically people don't just have one thing going on, they have other "side" disorders. For example, a kid doesn't typically just have ADHD, they probably have anxiety too. Someone with Autism or Rett's Syndrome probably has depression to boot. With that in mind, I keep tabs on various aspects of my kids so if an issue arises, we can nip them in the bud.

As we approach Kaylee's second birthday, I'm in disbelief. I can't believe she's two! Oy. But the fact that she's two and still puts things in her mouth is.. well.. kindof annoying. Kids typically surpass the oral stage around one year, 18 months at the latest. At that point, they've developed other ways of feeling texture and determining purpose of an item. Kaylee, not so much. 


So what the hell is Pica and what does it have to do with Kaylee?

Kaylee doesn't have Pica, but her mouthing things reminds me of it and I decided I'd share it with you today. 


Pica is a disorder categorized by persistent and compulsive cravings (lasting longer than one month) to eat non-food items. So while we joke around and say "You were the kid that ate paint chips as a child, weren't you?" For some, it's their reality -- eating not just paint chips but dirt, toys, dirt, clay, coffee grounds, hair, ice, glue, paste, chalk, soap, sand, etc... While eating these items aren't necessarily bad for you, if done consistently and in the place of food, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia or lead poisoning. Pica, interestingly enough, is a common disorder found alongside autism. It's also typical of those who have OCD, Schizophrenia, or mental retardation. Similar disorders are Compulsive Overeating, Binge Eating and Bulimia.


I've heard of another disorder (the name escapes me) where they eat and eat and eat till they throw up then continue to eat and eat and eat and eat. As I've said before, typically disorders come in at least pairs or multiples and/or are the result of something else (this is called comorbidity). So whenever you hear or notice someone has a disorder, it's probably got a buddy. It's best to acknowledge them so they can be handled appropriately than to ignore them and let them fester. 


Oh, and in case you're curious... The name Pica comes from the Latin name for the magpie, which is known for it's large, insatiable appetite ; )


Bon Apetit!