Other Physical Concerns: Pica, Sexuality and Sleep

Pica

Pica is the repeated craving/chewing/eating of non-food items that have no nutritional value, such as paper or dirt. For more information about pica, please see Autism Speaks free guide, “Parent’s Guide to Managing Pica in Children with Autism” or call Autism Speaks at 888-288-4762. This tool kit is also available en Español.

Sexuality: Resources for Education

The Center for Parent Education & Resources provides sexuality education for children/young adults with disabilities.

Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and Disability Resource Guide (PDF) – Young people living with disabilities (and their families and health care providers) helped create this guide. It lists their favorite sources of information about growing up healthy and safe.

Other resources:

Taking Care of Myself: A Healthy Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel.

Taking Care of Myself 2: for Teenagers & Young Adults with ASD by Mary Wrobel

Sleep

Many children with a diagnosis of ASD have difficulties either falling or staying asleep. Please discuss any concerns about sleep with the child’s pediatrician.

For a brief overview of tips about sleep, please see Autism’s Speaks free resource, How to Use Sleep Strategies to Help Your Child with Autism.

Please see the free Sleep Toolkit by Autism Speaks. It is also available en Español.

For Teens

Please see the free resource by Autism Speaks, ATN/AIR-P Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism | Autism Speaks. It is also available en Español.