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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

7yo repetitive behaviour

9 replies

Lurker1012 · 26/12/2023 19:17

Hi All,

Long time lurker without account.

My 7yo goes through passing phases of rituals/repetitiveness. A few weeks ago it started. Tbh i cant even remember what the obsession was back then. Then we had a couple of weeks break and now it's back again. By this I mean at the moment he's clearing his throat non stop, almost to the point he'll vomit and when I ask why, he says he has to. Without exaggeration this could be every 3 seconds. Bed time will come in and he will have to repeat non stop goodnight, love you, night, I can't sleep, shout night everyone.. if someone coughs within his vicinity he'll shout why are you coughing on me even though it may not be near him at all and he'll proceed to wash his hands. Likewise if coughs he will non stop say sorry for coughing on you.
He will check his underwear non stop to see if they're wet even though they aren't. At the moment he's been in and out of the loo already 7 times in the past 30 mins to wee.

I've had meetings in school and all is fine there, its just at home so it seems.

Just wondering I suppose if this is something he needs help with or a phase as such.

Thanks all.

OP posts:

Itsbeginingtolookalotlikexmas · 26/12/2023 19:19

You need to speak to a professional. That’s not typical behaviour, it could be a tic disorder or a trait of OCD or Autism.

Original poster

Lurker1012 · 26/12/2023 19:21

Would that just be through the gp for a referral is it?!

OP posts:

popplego · 26/12/2023 19:28

I used to do the repetitive "good night" thing as a child. Looking back it must've been OCD, I remember feeling like I had to do it or "something bad" would happen. I agree it sounds like a trip to the doctors is necessary.

The toilet thing, could he have a UTI maybe?

Zanatdy · 26/12/2023 19:29

My friend and I both had a lot of habits / tics as kids but aren’t autistic - guess it was a phase

ManateeFair · 26/12/2023 19:29

You need to see your GP and ask for a mental health referral for him. This sounds like OCD or a related condition.

Original poster

Lurker1012 · 26/12/2023 19:34

Thanks for the comments folks, I guess I just wanted to make sure that by going to the gp I wasn't over exaggerating etc.

When we go out and about he's fine, no "repetitiveness" in any form at all. It seems to stir again at home when he has time to think about it I guess as he's not as busy as when he is out.

This seemed to come on in recent weeks. He was absolutely fine until about 6 months ago.

@popplego I really wouldn't think it's a uti as he can go ages holding it during the day!

OP posts:

Floralsofa · 26/12/2023 19:46

I'd definitely seek further advice, if it helps however I had similar issues as a child on and off and I have no autism/OCD/anything else.

Snowflakecookie1989 · 26/12/2023 20:47

Tourettes?

SnowdaySewday · 27/12/2023 10:08

If he’s only doing this in some (familiar) situations, he may be masking.

Keep a diary for a few days and see if it is getting better or worse and if there are any triggers, e.g. tiredness, anxiety, excitement, changes.

GP to rule out a physical cause and to refer him to CAMHS. If they tell you to get school to do this, then you need to speak to the Senco rather than his class teacher.

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