Person must have been eating non-nutritive nonfoods for at least one month.[1] This eating must be considered abnormal for the person's stage of development.[21] Eating these substances cannot be associated with a cultural practice that is considered normal in the social context of the individual.[21] For people who currently have a medical condition (e.g.: pregnancy) or a mental disorder (e.g.: autism spectrum disorder), the action of eating non-nutritive nonfoods should only be considered pica if it is dangerous and requires extra medical investigation or treatment on top of what they are already receiving for their pre-existing condition.[21]