Who is this for: Parents

Cost: From £16.42

Booking: Required - Understanding & Managing Pica - The Eating of Non-Foods Tickets, Thursday, December 3  •  7 PM - 9 PM GMT | Eventbrite

Explore Pica disorder and the eating of non-foods in autistic and neurodivergent children, and those with other special educational needs.

Eating challenges are frequently reported in autistic, neurodivergent and SEND children, including displaying an avoidant and restrictive diet (now known as 'ARFID’ - avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder) or pica (the eating of non-foods).

However, despite this frequency, these eating patterns are often poorly understood and there is a lack of advice for families and few guidelines for the clinical practice of professionals.

Pica is an eating disorder characterised by the persistent consumption of non-food items that do not have a nutritional value—like paper, chalk, soap, or soil.

For this second webinar of a two-part series, Dr Elizabeth Shea, one of the UK’s leading specialists in eating challenges for autistic and neurodiverse individuals, will introduce the core features of the Pica disorder and explain how to recognise it, understand it, and begin supporting those affected.

This session is ideal for both parents and professionals (including educators, clinicians, and support workers) looking to build foundational knowledge and confidence around Pica. Underpinned by research literature, clinical or practice-based evidence and the lived experience of children and families, this webinar will enable participants to better understand these eating patterns and learn some practical skills for management in a variety of settings.