Understanding and supporting PICA – a twilight!
A one-hour session exploring how to develop awareness, practical strategies, and a collaborative approach to recognising, managing and supporting learners with Pica.
18 June: 4 pm – 5 pm with Chris Barson!
Pica is often misunderstood and wrapped in stigma – but it’s more common than many think, particularly in neurodiverse individuals or those with complex needs.
This twilight explores the broader picture of Pica: what it is, why it may happen, the risks involved, and most importantly, how you can respond. You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to support learners who may be affected, and practical steps you can take in your setting.
Chris will cover:
What is Pica?
clear and accessible explanation of Pica
who it affects, and when it might show up
common misconceptions and why it’s often missed or misunderstood
What Might Cause Pica?
Exploring possible contributing factors including:
sensory needs or sensory-seeking behaviours
nutritional deficiencies
communication difficulties
mental health and trauma
neurodevelopmental conditions
Spotting the Signs
Practical guidance on what to look for in children, young people and adults, including:
red flags vs. common behaviours
how to record concerns clearly and sensitively
The Impact of Pica
health risks: blockages, poisoning, dental problems
emotional toll on individuals and their families
social isolation, stress and stigma
Managing Pica
risk assessment and practical supervision strategies
low-cost environmental adaptations (e.g. storage, sensory alternatives)
supporting communication and emotional regulation
when and how to use distraction or redirection safely
Working Together
clarifying your role in safeguarding and supervision
how to raise concerns
who to involve
how to support families and carers
What to Do in an Emergency
knowing when to act
clear steps to take if ingestion is suspected
Each twilight has a specific focus and will include the following:
simple and practical ideas that are easy to replicate and work
relevant resources, books, equipment and apps
how to embed activities effectively within your classroom practice
ideas to develop foundation skills or to build upon existing skills
inclusive activities for a range of learners, including those with SLD/complex needs/neurodiverse learners/autism
activities for groups or individual learners
an opportunity to ask questions of presenters/fellow attendees
You can join us live & online or watch the recording for a week after the event.
This course will be appropriate for classroom practitioners from special schools and colleges, mainstream settings with specialist SEN provision and early years settings, and working with pupils with severe/complex learning needs and autism, or both.
Chris Barson founded Positive About Autism in January 2009. Prior to that he was External Training Manager for the National Autistic Society. Chris has a long involvement with disability and autism and first joined the National Autistic Society (NAS) in 1996 as a Project Officer in Wales on a Children in Need project reviewing short term care provision.
After working with the NAS Regional Development Team promoting service development throughout the UK, Chris went to work at the Royal College of General Practitioners, in 2000, where he managed Professional Development and Quality programmes. Chris rejoined NAS in 2004. Chris has contributed to the design and delivery of courses provided by Canterbury Christ Church University, and the University of Cumbria.
Chris is a contributing author to ‘The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century:Exploring Psychology, Biology and Practice’ Jessica Kingsley Press 2010 (Highly Commended 2011 BMA Medical Book Awards).
The cost is £20 plus VAT per delegate. You can select multiple places on the booking form.
You can choose to pay by credit card for this booking. You can also request an invoice by confirming your booking by entering a Purchase Order Number on the booking form.
