OCD in 10 yo

[Memoo]

Does anyone have any experience of this?

I'm worried about my ds and not sure what to do.

I have OCD if you have any questions.

I know a lot about OCD as it is my family and DS (3yrs) is showing red flags for it.

Can you give us more info?

Thank you

He is a really bright but very sensitive boy. He is a real worrier too.

He has just told me that he has this voice in his head that tells him if he doesn't do certain things then something bad will happen to me or his sister

One of the things he has to do is take a certain number of steps when he is walking to school. Also wearing certain socks on certain days.

Does this sound like something I should be worrying about?

Most people will have some OCD type thoughts at some point in their lives, and lots of children have funny rituals.

the question is how much is it interfering with his life? does it hold him back? Is he learning and enjoying himself?

I would buy some books about OCD. Theres some designed for children - can't remember what it is called - something like 'when you worry too much'

I'd also make an appt with the GP or nurse. Someone you trust ideally. They shoudl take you seriously. Then you have your concerns on record should things get worse in the future and he needs some therapy.

OCD is often comorbid with ASD. My DS has OCD like you describe. It controls his life, but not in an extreme way.

It's a sign of anxiety and stress. I just concentrate on reducing that as much as I can. For example DS has a hot bath very night, and I stay in the room with him so he can talk.

Thank you for your replies, its really appreciated.

Ds is going through quite an anxious time atm. He is in year 6 and finding the idea of going to high school scary. He also seems to be really hormonal and gets upset about the smallest thing.

It isn't impacting on his life a great deal. He is still doing all the things he use to do.

I think my main concern is that it will get worse if I don't do something about it now. I will definitely go and see my GP about it. I'll also order the books.

I like this book: Aspergers and Anxiety

I know your dx is OCD not ASD - but I think you will find some useful tips in there.

AFAIK OCD is a response to being very anxious.

Our eldest has /had it (feels under control now). School got concerned. They tried to use their usual approaches (which I knew would have no effect). He got worse and had an anxiety attack. They then stopped their tactics saying they were adding to his anxieties rather than the opposite. Asked school to get ed psyche involved who said it didn't matter so much what was causing it, but we needed a variety of strategies for tackling it. (Had kind of figured this out already.) Also very interested in his avoidance tactics and us finding out what he was avoiding doing by seeking us out to confide his worries. Distraction seems to be the most useful - kiss / hug punishments, changing subject. Also finding activities that he can get absorbed in. We've done a lot of imaginative play as a family. Also tried CAMHS but have gotten nowhere with that. As said, am happy that things are under control at the moment. Guess this is something he/we will have to learn to live with. Part of his personality ..... Hope we can teach him how to live with it as he grows up.

Reminding him of happy songs has really helped too.