If you are here, I’m going to guess something:
You’ve noticed your child putting things in their mouth that… well… are definitely not meant to be chewed, licked, tasted, or swallowed. And somewhere between Googling at 2 am and quietly panicking in the bathroom, you stumbled across the word pica.

And your heart dropped a little.

First, let me wrap you in the biggest, gentle hug I can send through the screen 💛
Because you are not alone. Truly. I’m right here with you — my son has autism and pica too. And some days, it honestly feels like I need three pairs of eyes, bubble wrap for the entire world, and maybe a calming weighted blanket for my own nervous system 😂

Pica is when kids (or adults) eat or mouth things that aren’t food — like paper, dirt, clothing, wood, plastic, hair, chalk, and whatever else seems…interesting to their sensory brain. And when autism is already part of the picture? Sometimes pica comes along for the ride.

And yes — it can be scary. And exhausting.
And confusing.
And frustrating enough to make you want to grab your wig, peel it straight off, and just scream into a pillow 😭😂

(You’re allowed to laugh and cry here. We hold both.)

“Why does my child do this?” — the question we all ask at 2 am

Sometimes pica can be connected to:

• sensory seeking
• oral regulation
• anxiety
• curiosity
• routine
• nutrient deficiencies (sometimes — but not always)
• or just their unique neurology

And sometimes… There is no clear reason why.
And that can feel hard. Very hard.

I have had days where I just stare at the ceiling like:

“Why are we chewing the crib handles today? Why. The. Crib. Handles.”

And then five minutes later, he’s smiling and happy, and I’m back to thinking, okay… we’re going to be alright… I’ve got this.

Parenting is a rollercoaster.
Parenting a neurodivergent child with pica is the rollercoaster plus a few surprise loops.

And I’ll be honest — there are days I want to cry because I feel like I don’t know what to do. And if you have felt that too, you are absolutely not failing. You’re just a parent in a really hard situation, doing your best with the tools you have. And your best is more than enough.

A gentle note before we go further

This is a safe, judgment-free chat between parents.
I’m not a medical professional — just a mom walking this path with you. If you are worried or unsure, your doctor or pediatrician can help guide next steps.

Okay. Tea in hand? Blanket nearby? Let’s breathe together 💚

Practical things that can help (from one lived-experience mom to another)

These aren’t cures — just supports. And hey..... sometimes they work beautifully. Sometimes they work ish. And sometimes kids just say, “lol no thanks, Mom.”

We take the wins when they come 😅

This post may include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my little cozy corner for families like ours 💛

1. Sensory chews & safe oral input

For many kids, pica is sensory seeking — especially oral input. So offering safe chewing alternatives can help meet that need in a safer way.

My son uses a sensory chew necklace, like this one here ⬇️

Sensory Chew Necklace for Kids Boys Girls, 6 Pack Silicone Chew Toys for Kids with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Chewy Necklace

And let me be honest with you — he still mouths other things sometimes.
These necklaces didn’t magically erase pica from our life. But they DID:

✔ give him a safe option
✔ reduce the constant “don’t put that in your mouth!” soundtrack
✔ ease a little of my anxiety
✔ and help him regulate when he’s overwhelmed

So for us — still worth it.

(And if your child refuses them? You’re still a great parent. Promise.)

2. Quietly making the environment safer

This part can feel tiring — I won’t sugarcoat it.
But small changes do add up:

• keeping unsafe items out of reach
• offering safe alternatives
• watching for patterns (bored? anxious? tired?)
• gently redirecting without shame

You are not overreacting.
You’re protecting your baby.

3. Working with professionals you trust

Sometimes pediatricians, OTs, dietitians, or therapists can help look at:

• sensory needs
• eating patterns
• iron / zinc levels (sometimes relevant)
• behavioural supports

But — and this is important.... You deserve compassionate care.
If someone makes you feel judged? You’re allowed to find another provider.

4. Remembering you matter too

Because pica can make you feel like:

• you can’t relax
• you’re always on high alert
• you constantly have to say “no”
• you’re failing somehow

You’re not.
You are showing up. Every single day.
And that takes so much strength.

If you ever need to cry in the shower?
Cry. Release. Breathe.
Then step back in — not as a perfect parent, but as a loving one.

And that is always enough. Always.

Let’s talk about the hard emotions for a minute

There are days where I’m like:

“Okay, universe. Autism was already enough. Why add pica?!”

And then guilt hits. Because we love our children more than life itself — but we’re still allowed to feel tired. Overwhelmed. Human.

So here’s your permission slip:

✔ You’re allowed to feel frustrated.
✔ You’re allowed to feel scared.
✔ You’re allowed to feel confused.
✔ You’re allowed to not have the answers.

And you are STILL an incredible parent.

I wish someone had told me that sooner.

“But how do you know I’m a good parent?” — let’s talk about that for a second

Sometimes I’ll write things like, “You’re a loving, wonderful parent,” and maybe a tiny voice in your head whispers back:

“But how do you know that? You don’t even know me.”

And here’s my gentle answer:

I know…
because you are here.

You are reading a blog about pica.
On a quiet corner of the internet.
Written by another tired mom with a big heart.

You’re learning. You’re searching. You’re trying to understand your child and make life feel softer and safer for them.

Parents who don’t care… don’t do that.

The fact that you’re here tells me everything I need to know:

💚 You love your child.
💚 You’re trying your best — even on the days that feel messy.
💚 And you care enough to keep learning, even when it hurts your heart a little.

So yes — I see you. And yes, you are a loving parent. Please don’t ever forget that.

A few comforting reminders from my heart to yours

If your child has pica, it does NOT mean:

🚫 You’re careless
🚫 You’re doing something wrong
🚫 You’re a bad parent

It means you’re navigating something complex — with love, patience, and probably less sleep than you deserve.

And if nobody has said this to you today:

💚 You’re doing amazing
💚 Your child is lucky to have you
💚 You don’t have to be perfect
💚 You’re not alone here

We are figuring it out together — one gentle day at a time.

You are welcome to sit with me here

Sensory Cozy Corner was never meant to be a place of pressure.
It’s a soft landing space. A cozy corner for parents who are doing their best in situations that don’t always come with easy answers.

And if sharing my story — messy hair, tears, laughter, sensory chews and all — makes even ONE parent breathe a little easier?

Then it’s worth it 💛

You’re safe here. Stay as long as you need.

And if you ever need to hear it again: you are not failing. You are loving. And that matters more than anything.

Gentle Disclaimer

This post is for support and awareness only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about pica or your child’s health, please speak with a healthcare professional you trust 💚