I think my child has OCD

[gowinghem]

My daughter has SEN and is 10. She doesn't have autism but a general delay- emotionally and academically and struggles socially. I have noticed over the past 6-12 months many traits that I would call OCD. Before Covid she was obsessed with germs and bacteria and this has only got worse with all the constant talk of good hygiene etc. She worries about everything she eats and if it is going to make her sick. She repeats the same questions over and over again looking for reassurance- which I always give her. What can I do to help? It's hard to get a GP appointment at the minute and she has been discharged from the paediatrician about 3 years ago. Also any tips about how I can help manage this the best way possible? Thanks in advance

Has anything significant happened that could have triggered this? My ocd began from stress at age 9 and I used it as a distraction and coping mechanism. (Not saying this applies to your daughter)
I would count to 100 before I would do anything, switch lights constantly until it ‘felt right’ and washed my hands every 5/10 minutes.
Worrying about her hygiene isn’t always a sign of ocd (although it could lead to it) as it could just be a sensory issue. Have you spoken to her about it at all? Could she have heard something at school about food poisoning/illnesses etc that worried her?
My first point of call would be the sen leader at her school for support if you have this option. GP if it progresses.
My parents didn’t notice/didn’t care and I never received treatment, I still suffer today as it just became who I am so while I know it’s not ‘normal’ it is for me now.
There is help and your doctor can offer CBT for her which I hear has helped many people. Your dd has a great mum, she will be fine

Push for help.. now..and loudly And even so I would look for a CBT therapist , experienced with children and pay to go privately. OCD is insidious and can come to completely dominate life... sadly I know this from experience. CAMHS is slow even once you get a referal :(

My DS 2 has asd and learning disabilities and developed OCD and it was awful. CAMHS was not much use but we found an incredible Cognitive Behaviour Therapist who has transformed his life..plus he's on Sertraline now which has helped amazingly (but he's older..was 16 when he went on it)

Day to day.. reassurance doesn't help..I know that sounds odd, but it doesn't, because the person with OCD CAN'T be reassured. Keeping matter of fact is better.
Have a look at www.ocdaction.org.uk/ they are a good source of info and help.

I have ocd and would urge you to get help ASAP. A private CBT course if possible. It can be treated and managed but you need professional help.
The way to treat OCD is to expose yourself to the feared stimulus and cope with the anxiety. Over time it becomes less.
So sorry for you. Hope you get help and treatment. Don’t struggle alone.