Beyond Cravings: Understanding and Treating Pica

By Dr. Dan Boynton, Ph.D.

Pica — the persistent craving and consumption of non-food substances — is often misunderstood, overlooked, or dismissed as a rare curiosity. But for countless individuals, from children with autism to adults coping with trauma or nutritional deficiencies, pica is a serious behavioral and medical concern.

In Beyond Cravings, Dr. Dan Boynton, Ph.D., brings well over a decade of clinical experience to unravel the complexity of this perplexing condition. Drawing from real-world case studies, current research, and compassionate care strategies, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of pica’s origins, risks, and effective treatments.

Whether you're a psychologist, educator, parent, or caregiver, you'll discover:

• What drives the urge to eat non-food items like dirt, paper, ice, or chalk
• How pica manifests in different populations, including individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities
• The medical, psychological, and sensory factors behind pica
• Practical intervention strategies and therapeutic approaches
• Cultural considerations and diagnostic challenges
• Tools for clinicians, teachers, and families to provide effective support

Accessible, evidence-based, and deeply humane, Beyond Cravings is a definitive guide for understanding and treating a behavior that too often goes unnoticed — and untreated.