Stacey A’Hearne, a 25-year-old mother from Blackwood, Wales, has shared the difficulties she faces in caring for her 3-year-old daughter, Wynter, who has autism and a rare disorder known as pica, which causes her to crave inedible items.
Wynter has attempted to consume various non-food items such as plaster from walls, sofa foam, and parts of a high chair. Additionally, she has tried to ingest glass shards, cot materials, and blankets. Stacey has to be vigilant and constantly monitor her daughter due to the seriousness of her disorder.
Stacey, a mother of two, described Wynter as “literally” eating parts of their home, including a new sofa where she has taken chunks. Despite her daughter’s aversion to edible items, she has shown a preference for eating sponges and has even broken photo frames and attempted to eat the glass. However, Stacey emphasized that Wynter has never tried to harm herself, and she remains vigilant to ensure her safety, referring to caring for her as a “full-time job.”
Stacey first noticed Wynter putting objects in her mouth when she was a baby, but she initially dismissed it as common behavior for babies. However, as Wynter grew older, her non-verbal communication increased, and her unusual eating habits intensified. She was diagnosed with pica in January after undergoing multiple tests, a condition often seen in children with autism.
In an effort to assist her daughter, Stacey obtained a custom-made chewable necklace designed for individuals with pica, as children with autism often find sensory items comforting. Stacey explained that these sensory items, like the chewable necklace, can provide a tactile and auditory experience that Wynter finds soothing.
