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  • © 2016

Pica in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

  • Synthesizes the research on pica and its effects on individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities
  • Addresses the etiology, epidemiology, and diagnosis of pica
  • Reviews the evidence base on non-function-based reinforcement, antecedent interventions, and positive punishment
  • Examines functional assessment and analysis of pica and related function-based interventions
  • Explores behavioral and health services and outcomes
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (ACPS)

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eBook USD 109.00
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  • Instant download
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Softcover Book USD 139.99
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  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
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Hardcover Book USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xix
  2. Foundational Issues

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Definition and Diagnosis

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 3-18
    3. Epidemiology

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 19-28
    4. Etiology

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 29-38
  3. Treatment

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 39-39
    2. Behavioral Assessment and Treatment: An Overview

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 41-63
    3. Functional Assessment and Analysis and Function-Based Interventions

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 65-79
    4. Behavioral Interventions: Non-function-based Treatments

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 81-101
    5. Behavioral Treatment: Treatment Programs and Outcome Data

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 103-113
    6. Prevention, Treatment, and Management of Pica

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 115-132
    7. Biomedical and Other Treatments

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 133-140
  4. Emerging Issues

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 141-141
    2. Future Directions for Research and Services

      • Peter Sturmey, Don E. Williams
      Pages 143-164
  5. Back Matter

    Pages 165-182

About this book

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical phenomenon of pica. It focuses specifically on the disorder as it presents in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID). Initial chapters introduce current theories and definitions, followed by a more detailed examination of how developmental disabilities complicate diagnosis and intervention. The volume describes evidence-based and clinically sound approaches to the treatment and prevention of pica in school and adult clinical settings, ranging from behavioral treatment to function-based interventions. In addition, it discusses common diagnostic, client, and provider issues that result in pica remaining undetected among individuals with ASD and ID.


Featured topics include:
  • Definition of pica in accessible terms, differentiating between various forms of the disorder.
  • Issues and practical methods ofprevention and treatment of pica in developmentally disabled persons.
  • Functional and behavioral assessment methods for pica in individuals with ASD and ID.
  • A range of effective behavioral and nonbehavioral treatments for pica.
  • Illustrative cases and service delivery challenges.
  • Areas for future research and practice.
Pica in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities is an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians and other professionals, and graduate students in clinical child and school psychology, behavior analysis/therapy, and social work as well as child and adolescent psychiatry, pediatrics, family studies, and special education.



Authors and Affiliations

  • City University of New York, Queens College, FLUSHING, USA

    Peter Sturmey

  • Williams Behavioral Consulting, Richmond, USA

    Don E. Williams

About the authors

Peter Sturmey, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York. He has published more than 200 papers, 50 chapters, and 20 authored and edited books on developmental disabilities, behavior analysis, clinical psychology and evidence-based practice.

Don E. Williams, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a consultant with over 0 years of practice and research experience with severe behavior disorders, staff training and supervision, and developmental disabilities. He has published extensively on restraint elimination, and the prevention and treatment of self-injurious behavior (pica especially) and other severe behavior problems.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access