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Assessment of Pica

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Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Assessment

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

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Abstract

Pica is the consumption of non-nutritive, nonfood items, a self-injurious behavior that is common in populations with developmental disabilities. Assessing for pica is important, as this behavior can quickly become dangerous if an individual swallows a lethal, poisonous, or sharp item. Estimates of pica vary, but it is commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, with severe and profound intellectual disability, and those living in institutions. Clinical interviews, behavioral assessment, and a number of screening measures exist to assist a clinician in an accurate diagnosis of pica. Information on these assessment tools as well as discussion of the history of pica, culturally normative forms of pica, and issues related to assessing pica are presented in this chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Abigail Issarraras & Johnny L. Matson

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  1. Abigail Issarraras
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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Correspondence to Abigail Issarraras .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

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Issarraras, A., Matson, J.L. (2018). Assessment of Pica. In: Matson, J. (eds) Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Assessment . Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93542-3_16

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