I think Dd1 may have OCD, how do i find out?

[Marne]

She's only 3.3 and no its not a stage she's going through as she has always been like it. Evrything has to be in the correct place ,each day has to be the same (same routine), she lines her toys up in order of size/colour, if i try to change any part of her routine (eg. the order i put her clothes on) she gets upset and makes a huge deal out of it. I have trouble taking her anywhere as she has so many phobia's.

Should talk to my GP or health visitor?

bump

Marne....don't want this to go unanswered, and although I can't help from a personal point of view, you should definately talk to your HV/GP about this. This sort of behaviour could also fall under some sort of Autistic spectrum disorder. Maybe if you posted on special needs someone might see it and offer some more constructive advice.

Sorry I can't help, and good luck!

I also think lots of children at this age go through smthg like this...my dd is currently phobic about holes that shouldn't be there (in her trousers, socks, doors where the handles have been shifted and there's a resulting hole -don't know how she knows this one shouldn't be there cause all our doors are victorian and lived in). If you're very worried, then see your health visitor (rather than GP, I think) as they would have seen the whole spectrum of children before and will know whether you should proceed to GP about a referral

Hi
My 3yr old was like this a little, but seems to have outgrown it now. There is something in the Child of our Time book about fears becoming phobias and about obsessions. The book suggests that you try to overcome phobias by replacing bad memories/experiences of the thing by good (ie if its a fear of dogs, try to provide lots of experience of nice dogs or even toy dogs). The book suggests that you try to deviate from the obsessive routines etc but warn that this will happen and reward, praise, support etc. Iim sure you're GP will have some advice.
I was definately like this as a child, irrational fears of animals, and I remeber having quite specific routines and obssessions when I must have been about 5 or 6. My mum can't really remeber it (she says). I did eventually grow out of it though. Hope you get some help.

Thanks for all your advice, i think i will talk to my HV and see what she thinks. I just wish i could help her with all her fears etc (she has alot)

Good Luck!

Hi Marne

I'd speak to your GP and HV.

My sister has OCD and hers started at around this age. We didn't now what it was then so we just put it down to her having funny little quirks. She used to ask to go back home to check she had turned the taps off, things like that.

The fact that you can recognise OCD traits and get soem support is great.

Don't worry, your littel girl will be fine

when my grandson was little he always put his little cars in a big circle,always facing exactly the same way,if we moved one as soon as he noticed it he would replace it the way he originally had it,he did this for about 3 yrs.then it stopped.!

Definitely have a word with your HV or GP. Adherance to routine, fears and phobias etc can all be linked to OCD or Asperger Syndrome (which are often overlapping conditions). Do you have any other concerns?