ASD, tics and now eating paper

[AstiniMartini]

DS1 (aged 11) was diagnosed with ASD 6 years ago. he is currently being assessed for tics (12 months and counting). About a month ago he started eating paper - ripping up the corners of cards, envelopes, flyers takeaway menus etc.

The paper eating stopped for a few weeks but is back now. I am going to tell his Dr about the paper eating bit in the meantime would be grateful for any advice from others.

This is pica. Does he eat any other non food items?

No, no other non-food items. I really hope that does not change!!

I’d research pica and see what the recommended strategies are, see what the GP says too.

And this probably won’t make you feel any better but I used to tear the corners off book pages and chew them (I honestly can’t remember if I swallowed them or not). I was younger than your ds but I grew out of it and it doesn’t seem to have done me any harm.

Oh it does make me feel better thanks.

I just did not expect that a parenting strategy would include having to say; 'Darling. Stop eating Chapter One!!'.

I will look into pica. He has a paediatrician now who is really responsive so I will contact them.