This study investigated pica behavior in those with and without autism in relation to gastrointestinal  (GI)  tract symptomatology and disease .  A chart review of 64 residential adults with developmental disabilities indicated that individuals with pica had more GI tract diseases, and those with autism and pica had a higher rate of GI diseases compared to those with autism and no pica behavior.  These data suggest that those individuals with both autism and pica disorders may be a phenotypic subgroup  in the autism spectrum characterized by GI symptomatology,  requiring a clinical algorithm for categorization and effective treatment.  Individuals exhibiting pica may benefit from gastrointestinal evaluation.