4 year old displaying signs of OCD

[Tempusfudgeit]

Completely out of the blue my 4 year old son has suddenly developed anxiety around other people touching his food and drink, to the point he will absolutely refuse it if he thinks his brother (6) or sister (2) have touched or tasted it.

My husband suffered from OCD (not around food) when he was younger but I can hand on heart say our son has never observed any behaviour like this.

Can OCD be genetic? Could it be a reaction to the last two years of Covid? Does anyone have any advice on the best way to handle it? At the moment we're being gently reassuring and not making a fuss. We don't want to exacerbate his anxiety and it's hard to know how much to capitulate to or challenge his feelings.

He's otherwise a very healthy and happy boy and we are a close, loving family.

Have you heard of pans/pandas? It's sudden onset OCD in children.

Anxiety/OCD I think can 'run' in families. I think that the wariness from the Covid situation must have affected lots of children.
Reassurance around OCD is discouraged in older children and adults but I am not sure how helpful it would be for younger children to be honest. I'd seek professional help. In the meantime, to make sure he's eating/drinking enough can you subtly ensure his food is presented in an acceptable way?

Could be pandas, could be ASD, could be anxiety - maybe consult a professional