PICA Support Resources
What is PICA?
A different way of exploring and responding to the world
Pica is when a person repeatedly eats or craves non-food items, such as dirt, paper, hair, chalk, or fabric. While it might seem unusual or unsafe, pica often has underlying causes it can be sensory-driven, linked to nutrient deficiencies, or a way of coping with anxiety or unmet needs. This behaviour isn’t a sign of being “bad” or “broken.” With understanding, health checks, and tailored supports, individuals with pica can stay safe, meet sensory and nutritional needs, and feel more in control of their bodies and environment.
Pica looks different for everyone
Not everyone with pica eats the same items or for the same reasons. Some may explore textures orally, while others seek certain tastes or sensations. For some, pica is temporary; for others, it may persist without the right support. Recognising these differences helps us understand what’s driving the behaviour and how best to respond without shame or punishment.
Support should reduce risk and meet needs
Stopping pica isn’t about force or punishment. Real support identifies underlying triggers, ensures medical safety, and provides safer sensory alternatives. With consistent guidance, nutritional support, and sensory tools, individuals with pica can reduce harmful behaviours and experience safer ways to explore and self-regulate.
Championing people with PICA?
Families and carers often feel worried or unsure how to manage pica. We work alongside individuals and support networks to understand why it’s happening and introduce gentle, effective strategies that keep everyone safe.
Identifying triggers and root causes
We work with families and health professionals to assess nutritional, sensory, and emotional reasons for pica.
Teaching safer habits step by step
We develop calm, consistent plans to redirect unsafe behaviours and build healthier routines.
Supporting safe sensory exploration
We provide safe, appropriate objects and activities to meet oral sensory needs without harmful ingestion.
Building communication skills
We help individuals express cravings, discomfort, or needs in safe, non-harmful ways through speech, visuals, or devices.
Improving nutrition and wellbeing
We collaborate with dietitians and healthcare providers to check for and address any nutrient deficiencies.
Working with families, schools, and services
We ensure a unified, non-judgemental approach across environments to create safety and consistency for the person.
How we can help with PICA
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to manage safety risks calmly and effectively
Guidance for setting up safe environments at home and school
Support for carers to recognise triggers and respond without shame
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to identify medical, sensory, or nutritional factors driving PICA
Recommendations for therapeutic and dietary interventions
NDIS planning for safe behavioural and nutritional supports
Skill-Building and Sensory Support →
Introducing safe oral sensory tools (chewelry, textured objects)
Coaching to develop safer habits and structured routines
Visual aids for recognising safe vs. unsafe items
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans addressing sensory needs and habitual non-food ingestion
Strategies to redirect oral exploration safely with appropriate alternatives
Training for educators and support workers to respond consistently
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy to manage anxiety, impulse control, or emotional regulation
Support for understanding underlying causes and building self-awareness
Trauma-informed approaches for individuals with past negative experiences
Regional Intensives →
In-home and community support for remote families
Hands-on safety planning and environmental adjustments
Training for local carers and schools to maintain consistent safety measures
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.