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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.

Adoption

OCD

5 replies

ac73 · 07/09/2016 22:23

Anyone had experience of this in their child? Our eldest is very controlling at times but sometimes the behaviour seems like OCD. Thoughts? Thanks all. :)

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Italiangreyhound · 08/09/2016 22:21

ac73 sorry to hear this, can I ask how old the child is and how long they have been with you (roughly, please do not 'out' yourself)?

I had OCD as a teenager (30 something years ago). It lasted a long time and morphed into an eating disorder.

Some children go through phases of washing their hands a lot and then grow out of it. What sort of form does it take, feel free to PM me if you wish.

I do think it is probably a controlling thing.

My only advice is to keep a bit of a record of it and if you feel it is over the top to speak to post adoption support or your GP. Don't let your child know you are monitoring it.

Is it repetitive actions? I would encourage your child to stop doing the repetitive action but to be honest if it is a big issue I would seek advice about how to explain it to your child.

Good luck. Thanks

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ac73 · 12/09/2016 21:18

Thank you so much! I will pm you when I get a min! :)

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Italiangreyhound · 14/09/2016 00:22

You are welcome. Smile

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jellyfishschool · 16/09/2016 20:21

I am going to say something slightly different because I remember your other thread and the brief details you gave.

I would say that the typical behaviours which are considered "controlling" in children are reasonably common in 5 year olds, especially strong willed 5 year olds, who are wanting to have more control over their lives but still needing guidance. On that basis, is it likely that your 5 year old is showing both natural behaviours as per his age/personality, but also a great deal of stress because of the newness of the situation, the new school, not yet trusting you yet, etc, and his reaction to the stress seems like OCD or controlling, possibly? I don't know the specifics of his past obviously but many children from care will have been left to their own devices more than children in normal homes, and if this applies it will be very challenging to be in a more normal environment where the parent has more control.

Possibly rather than think about OCD, concentrate on the therapeutic activities which are known to help with trauma, and relaxing activities like massage or reflexology, and continue to get to know him, and keep on what you are doing, repeating what is expected in terms of behaviour and that you are there for him, and as he learns to trust you hopefully the behaviour will ease?

If you are really very worried about OCD then talk to a doctor, obviously.

The above is based only on my experience, which isn't extensive, so read it in that context!

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Italiangreyhound · 16/09/2016 20:35

Good advice jelly.

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