Eating Paper | Autism PDD

Help me out here someone, I know that when kids eat paper its a vitamin deficiency of some sort, but its the weekend and I can't remember which vitamin it is and of course I can't call my Ped till tomorrow. My son used to do this a couple of years ago and stopped but now he's back at it again. I give him a vitamin supplement but I read somewhere awhile back that paper eating or "pica" I think it is called is a deficiency but I need to know which kind and what to give. Anybody know?

That is what I was thinking, but he is getting iron in his multi-drops?? I'm wondering if maybe I should have his blood tested for possible anemia??

Eating non-food items is not always from a vitamin deficiency. My son started eating paper, tissues, and pencils a few months back. His OT said he was doing it  because of an oral sensory issue. He lacked input and constantly needed something in his mouth. But, it never hurts to get your child checked for deficiencies. chewing on ice is a sign of anima...(low iron) but i didnt know about paper

Looked it up and it stated that eating paper indicated a Iron and Vitamic C deficit. I had a friend where the daughter liked to peel the wallpaper and eat it..I thought maybe the paste behind it was tasty to her :P

Good luck,

Shelley

I have also heard that mouthing non food items can be caused by a zinc
deficiency. However, adding too much zinc (with supplements)
can be dangerous so you should really consult a doctor, or ask your
OT about oral motor activities that can redirect.
My son loves the sound of tearing paper and sometimes he will eat it but I think often he is trying to see what I am going to do about it and if I ignore him he stops. One time he did eat paper while we were waiting to see the doctor and I think that time he was anxious and that was why he was doing it. Do you think that makes sense?   Merry
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