PICA AND AUTISM IN TODDLERS DRIVERS
PICA AND AUTISM IN TODDLERS TRIAL

The presenter discusses a study that revealed significant differences in metabolic profiles between autistic children and their non-autistic peers (29:46). He details promising research using iron supplements, liquid multivitamins (poly-vi-sol), specialized formulations (vivinex) (26:30), and zinc supplements and antioxidant therapy (28:42) to reduce pica behaviors like coprophagy (ingestion of feces) in autistic individuals. The speaker underscores that dietary interventions do not necessarily rely upon practitioner availability and so may be more accessible (27:36). These findings emphasize the importance of including nutritional interventions in treating pica. Intervention OptionsĪlexander outlines research showing that autistic children have relatively less diversity in gut bacteria and generally have fewer healthy bacteria than unhealthy (30:55). He asserts that autistic individuals with pica may represent a phenotypic subgroup characterized by GI symptoms and requiring specialized treatments (25:25). Alexander emphasizes that pica takes a severe toll on the body over time which can lead to shorter life expectancy and higher mortality rates. Findings revealed that the prevalence rates across the ten most frequently occurring diseases were two to three times higher for individuals with pica, where the autism and pica group had the highest rate (22:33). Four groups were assessed: autism only, autism and pica, pica without autism, and a control group of developmentally disabled individuals without pica. To assess the prevalence and co-occurring conditions in adults, researchers examined ten years of medical records compared to a comprehensive list of symptoms and diseases (19:00). Prevalence of food cravings and specific GI conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) are also higher in autistic children with pica than those without (17:30). Researchers found that autistic children and children with developmental disorders who also have pica have a higher prevalence of GI signs, symptoms, and diseases compared to those without pica (15:24).

The speaker outlines two studies on the intersection of autism, pica, and GI issues in children (16:08). Pica Prevalence and ImpactĪround 23.2% of autistic children and up to 60% of autistic adults experience pica (14:20). The presenter notes that pain attenuation is often related to dental issues (14:01).

PICA AND AUTISM IN TODDLERS DRIVERS

Solutions to sensory drivers can include finding substitute foods with similar sensory properties (i.e., grape nuts in place of dirt) or engaging individuals with play during unstructured hours (13:00). Sensory stimulation, he continues, is often a significant factor in maintaining pica behavior and can be challenging to address. The presenter notes the importance of functional behavioral assessments, which help identify the factors that drive and maintain pica behavior, like attention-seeking, sensory issues, pain attenuation, or escape/avoidance (11:00). Įstablishing effective behavioral treatments for pica can be challenging due to costs, availability, environmental restrictions, and the generality of treatments across time (8:00).

PICA AND AUTISM IN TODDLERS TRIAL

Alexander highlights the simplicity of this case, noting the trial and error implicit in creating holistic treatment strategies (6:43). Over six months, the client’s nicotine and cotinine levels decreased from those of a chain smoker to zero (5:22). The presenter explains how treatment strategies capitalized on the individual’s preferences by incorporating soda cans and a red rubber ball into his walk to work. Alexander details a case study involving a 50-year-old autistic man who ingested cigarette butts.

Items frequently ingested include generally harmless things like dirt, leaves, and grass, as well as dangerous and potentially lethal items like rubber gloves, clothing tags, and screws (3:30). Pica is the ingestion of inedible substances and is the most dangerous form of self-injurious behavior associated with autism (2:12).

8:00 – Challenges with behavioral treatmentsġ7:30 – Study: Autism, GI symptoms, and picaġ9:00 – Study: Pica prevalence in autistic adultsĢ6:30 – Studies: polyvisol, vivinex, iron supplements, zinc and antioxidant therapyĢ9:46 – Metabolic profiles and phenotypic subgroupsģ4:04 – Comprehensive vitamin-mineral interventionsĤ4:28 – SMART interventions Pica and behavioral treatments

Pica and autism in toddlers