How can I stop my child from eating dirt?

Question

My son has Autism and loves to play with dirt and water. I guess a lot of kids like to do this. He also likes to eat it. I am trying different ways to stop him from doing this. He does eat good food as well but is limited to some extent. He seems to be improving over time. I wondered if it was a lack of vitamins or something like that. Does anyone know of a way to stop this habbit or does anyone have any ideas on this topic.

Thank you

Answer 1

A kid eats dirt due to lack of mineral in his body. You should give him some food including minerals. Plus it's better to consult a doctor first because excessing amount of minerals could cause side effects.

Or...

Keep him away from the dirt.

Answer 2

My Austistic nephew did the SAME thing!!! I think his old fashion grandma rubbed a jalapeno on his mouth for him to stop. this was years ago.. he doesnt do that anymore.

Answer 3

it could be through a lack of a certain vitamin or it may be that he likes the texture (common with children who have autism) but think of it this way...apparently those kids who play in the dirt and have eaten some actually have a better immune system. There is something in dirt that builds the immune system. Have a chat to your doctor about with mineral/vitamin he may need

Answer 4

With his special needs.  I would just keep trying to redirect him.

Answer 5

Hi there!

The act of eating dirt is called Geophagy.

It is most common is pregnant women but children have been known to eat dirt often. Me and my brother did when we were younger also. =)

It's been practiced for centuries from the Greeks to Native Americans.

Certain soils that contain clay are good at absorbing toxins.

I would talk to your child's doctor about it and see what he thinks. In the mean time why not read up about it. I've included some links below that might help you understand it more.

Answer 6

Pica could be the reason for him eating dirt (pica is the eating of non-food items, commonly as a result of lacking key nutrients). Other reasons could be mental ailment, habit, culture....

Have his doctor run some tests on him to make sure he isn't lacking nutrients. If that checks out fine, then you're probably just going to have to break the habit. Keep a close eye on him when he's near dirt, or has a chance of being around it. When you see him getting ready to stick some in his mouth, stop him; distraction  may work best given he has Autism. Children with Autism do best with routine, so what they do one day, they pretty much expect to do the next, including eating certain foods, which may be why he's eating dirt (he had it one day, and he 'needs' that to be part of his schedule now). Your son's doctor should be able to help give you more information on breaking his habits.

Answer 7

Give him somethin to eat!! u r not feeding him r u?

Sweetie it's not that hard, u can even go 2 McDonalds!!

Answer 8

Does dirt really taste that good?

Answer 9

Ask the Dr. Your son has a deficiency in his diet called "pica."  The Dr. can tell you what to do about it.

Answer 10

Listen, I remember eating dirt and rocks as a little child. I just out grew it and he will too. Just be patient with him.