Hello out there in Cyberland! A holiday gift for my readers: a letter answered AND a free PowerPoint program I use to teach the basic concepts in behavior.

This month's question and answer is a double hitter! See below

Question 1:

Dear Dru,

I'm the lady that keeps pestering you at Redding trainings. I was wondering if you could email me a copy of your Power Point presentation on Key Concepts in Understanding Behavior. I was planning on presenting it to parents who have questions about their children's behaviors and how to work with schools to develop appropriate positive behavior plans. Thanks again for the great work you do. It inspires me and keeps me going strong just knowing that there are people out there that "get it".

Lynn Osa, Family Support Coordinator
Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California
530-226-5129 losa@rfenc.org

Answer 1:

Thanks for the kind words. Flattery will get you anywhere! Here it is!!!

To view presenation:

• Click on picture below (Patience please, this file is large)
• Then click on the "Slide show" icon (Bottom right corner of window)
• Finally, click anywhere on the slides to advance presentation
  

Question 2:

I have a student in a second grade class that eats everything all of the time. He eats crayons, pencils, staples, anything available. We have tried to redirect him, keep things away from him, and spoken to his parents. His parents feel that this is normal 2nd grade behavior. I am concerned about his health and also because the other students are starting to tease him. Can you help?

Answer 2:

Your student is exhibiting a behavior called “pica”. “Pica is an eating disorder typically defined as the persistent eating of nonnutritive substances for a period of at least 1 month at an age in which this behavior is developmentally inappropriate (that is, between >18and 24 months).” (http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1798.htm)

Pica is a serious behavioral problem because it can result in significant medical problems if the craved substance is toxic or contaminated (intestinal infections and parasites are particular concerns), or if it blocks or tears the intestines (e.g., staples). While no medical treatment is specific in the treatment of patients with pica, involvement of the child’s physician is essential.

Although the etiology of pica is unknown, numerous hypotheses have been advanced to explain the phenomenon, ranging from psychosocial causes to causes of purely biochemical origin.

Although pica in children often remits spontaneously, a multidisciplinary approach involving psychologists, social workers, and physicians is recommended for effective treatment. Currently, behavioral strategies have been most effective in treating pica. An experienced psychologist or behavior specialist should be involved in determining the function of the behavior and in developing a program to replace the behavior. This is not something a class room teacher should be leading, but a team approach is helpful in creating a consistency once a program is developed.