Use of non-aversive techniques for the treatment of pica in an adult with mental retardation

An individualized treatment package containing no aversive components was developed for a 22-year 8-month-old male diagnosed with severe mental retardation and a long history of pica. Pica decreasedwith a treatment consisted of a combination of simple environmental designs, active engagement andsocial interaction. The results suggest that pica can be controlled with simple environmental changes,productive engagement activities and contingent social attention.