article_snippet.sent: It is more commonly recognised among pregnant women, some of whom develop unusual cravings.
article_snippet.sent: It is most common in people with learning disabilities and during pregnancy.
article_snippet.sent: The family will find out this month if Jessica is on the autistic spectrum, which is often linked to pica.
article_snippet.sent: The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, a learning problems charity, said: ‘It is estimated that four to 26 per cent of people with learning disabilities display pica behaviour.
article_snippet.sent: Whilst some objects pass through the body without harm, Pica can potentially be life-threatening.
article_snippet.sent: Dr Alison Sansome, clinical director at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, added:
article_snippet.sent: Pica is a complex condition and treatment is dictated by the specific circumstances in each case.