What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? With 3 Paths to Recovery
If you’re noticing signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in your child or if they’ve recently been diagnosed with OCD, it can be difficult to know what to do.
This mental illness is often misunderstood because of its representation in the media. It’s often described as simply liking a clean room or keeping things a certain way. Clinical OCD is much more intense than this. It often needs professional intervention for the person to be able to live a normal life.
So, what are the signs and symptoms of OCD in children? How can you help after a diagnosis of childhood OCD? It’s all outlined here.
If you’re noticing signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in your child or if they’ve recently been diagnosed with OCD, it can be difficult to know what to do.
This mental illness is often misunderstood because of its representation in the media. It’s often described as simply liking a clean room or keeping things a certain way. Clinical OCD is much more intense than this. It often needs professional intervention for the person to be able to live a normal life.
So, what are the signs and symptoms of OCD in children? How can you help after a diagnosis of childhood OCD? It’s all outlined here.
Signs and Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of OCD is ritualistic behaviors. These ritualistic behaviors are done repeatedly and excessively. Some ritualistic behaviors include washing hands, rechecking items like ovens or door locks, putting things in a particular order, counting the same set of objects, repeating certain words or phrases, or separating food on a dinner plate.
OCD behaviors are different for every individual. This list of behaviors is not exhaustive. Any behavior that is done over and over excessively may be a sign of OCD.
Other emotional symptoms of OCD include:
Intense worry or fear about having things in a particular order
Extreme fear of germs, dirt, or bodily waste
Constant doubts about something being done, like the door being locked or the oven being turned off
Strong need to have tasks done perfectly
Compulsion to touch or count objects
Destructive thoughts
Lack of self-esteem or self-confidence
Difficulty concentrating at school or home
A sense of panic if they aren’t able to perform their rituals exactly as they’d like to
A sufferer of OCD may also experience physical symptoms from their mental state. These include:
Racing heart
Headaches or stomachaches
Shaking and trembling
Difficulty breathing
Feelings of weakness
Intense fatigue
Sweating
Difficulty sleeping
When these symptoms begin to interfere with a child’s ability to function normally is when they need professional help.
Risk Factors
Many of the risk factors of OCD are very similar to other anxiety disorders. The four risk factors are predisposition, genes, environment, and biological processes.
Predisposition refers to the fact that some children are less capable of handling stress well and are more prone to anxiety. Genes, or a family history of OCD, make a child more likely to develop the disorder.
Certain environments may be a factor in the development of OCD. Some of these situations include parental divorce, a death in the family, the birth of a sibling, moving, attending a new school, or experiencing trauma.
Specific biological processes have been suspected to be linked to OCD. These processes are an imbalance of serotonin or a strep infection.
Ways to Help Your Child
So, what if you’ve already seen the signs and received a diagnosis of OCD for your child? Here are some steps you can take to help them.
Learn More
It’s very difficult to help someone with an issue that you do not understand. So, learning more is the first step.
OCD Awareness Week is fast approaching. In 2022, it will be celebrated from October 9th to the 15th. The International OCD Foundation hosts the event, providing videos to watch and events to participate in.
The theme this year is The Road to Reclaiming Your Life. This theme encompasses the idea that with the right treatment and support from those around a person, full recovery from OCD is possible.
Learning more about OCD is beneficial for everyone–not just those suffering from the disease. Understanding better the experiences of those with OCD gives us compassion and ways to help them succeed.
All events are free, and you can click here to check it out.
Speak to a Mental Health Professional
The first line of treatment for OCD is most often therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in particular is very effective in treating OCD.
CBT helps a child recognize what their thought patterns are and how those thought patterns may be affecting their behavior. By changing their thoughts, they are able to change their actions.
When treating compulsive behaviors, CBT often employs Exposure Response Prevention. This technique supports children while they face their fear of not giving in to compulsive urges. Children slowly work through more and more difficult and scary scenarios. Eventually, they can resist engaging in all of their previous compulsive behaviors.
This approach, while effective, takes a lot of work. It can help if children can see that the hard work is worth it. My upcoming book, Khloe Kitten Is Afraid of Germs!, does just that.
Khloe Kitten experiences compulsive urges around germs, like many of those who suffer from OCD do. She wants to go down the slide like all her other friends do, but she has too much fear. She employs Graded Exposure to slowly expose herself to germs and overcome her fear and behavior.
As your child works through a stepladder approach in therapy, they will be able to see themselves in Khloe Kitten. They may be working on different compulsive behaviors, but they will recognize her feelings and fear.
A child will know that if Khloe Kitten can do it, they can do it too. They also may better understand what their therapist is asking them to do.
Also, each book comes with an About Anxiety page, a Coping Strategies page, and a Stepladder page for parents. Each page will equip you with more information to help your child.
A therapist may also employ other strategies of CBT to help your child. These could include role-playing exercises, teaching positive self-talk, introducing relaxation techniques, and talking through how their thoughts or fears are irrational. Your therapist will create a unique treatment plan for your child.
Medication
If various types of therapy don’t bring enough relief for your children, medication may be a helpful option. Anti-anxiety medications should only be used under the supervision of a pediatrician and psychologist.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be frustrating and confusing for children and parents alike. However, with the right treatment and support, it’s possible for most children with OCD to lead a productive life.
To learn more information about various mental health illnesses in childhood, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter or check out my podcast, Genius Little Minds.
References
https://adaa.org/sites/default/files/How-to-Help-Your-Child-A-Parents-Guide-to-OCD.pdf
https://childadolescentpsych.cumc.columbia.edu/professionals/research-programs/y-team/ocd-treatment
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Parents Need to Know
Did you know that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?(1)
If you have a child who is currently or has recently been diagnosed with autism, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused.
You may be wondering what this diagnosis means for your child's future.
What treatment options are available? What can you do to help your child?
Here's what parents need to know about autism spectrum disorder in children.
Did you know that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?(1)
If you have a child who is currently or has recently been diagnosed with autism, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused.
You may be wondering what this diagnosis means for your child's future.
What treatment options are available? What can you do to help your child?
Here's what parents need to know about autism spectrum disorder in children.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that affects social skills, communication, and behavior.
It's lifelong and can range from mild to severe—with widely varying symptoms.
What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Diagnoses of ASD are on the rise. What remains unclear is whether we're learning more about autism and are therefore diagnosing more children, if there truly is an increase in autism cases, or a combination of both.(2)
Autism spectrum disorder seems to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors.
Research shows an association between genes and autism, and many of the genes seem to be involved in brain development. It's estimated that genetic factors may contribute to 40-80% of the risk of developing ASD.(3)
While autism is present across all cultures, races, and ethnicities, some groups are more likely to be diagnosed than others.
For example, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls.(4)
It also tends to run in families. If a parent or sibling has ASD, it increases the likelihood that the child will have ASD.(5)
What Are the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children?
While the symptoms and severity of ASD can vary greatly, there are some commonalities.
The two main categories of autism characteristics include:
· Challenges with social skills and communication
· Restricted and repetitive behaviors
Social and Communication Difficulties
Persistent difficulties with communication and social interaction are hallmarks of autism.
These can manifest in several ways, such as:
· Delayed speech and language skills
· Eye contact avoidance
· Repetitive or unusual use of language
· Poor understanding of social cues
· Challenges understanding others' emotions
· Difficulties expressing their own emotions
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
Children with ASD may display restricted and repetitive behaviors.
This may include:
· Stereotypical body movements, like hand flapping or spinning
· Obsessive interests in certain topics
· Repetitive use of language or phrases
· Inflexible thinking or behaviors
· Need for routine
· Difficulty with new experiences
· Sensory sensitivities
Is your child's favorite food the brand-name organic white cheddar crackers that come in the purple packaging? (You learned your lesson when you tried to switch to the store brand and the meltdown ensued.)
Children with autism often have very specific interests and may become fixated on certain objects or routines.
They may also have sensory sensitivities, such as an aversion to loud noises.
The world to the child with autism can seem like a confusing and unpredictable place. Routine can provide a sense of security.
How Is Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?
There is no medical detection for autism and no single test that can diagnose it.(1)
Instead, children are typically diagnosed based on behavior and development. Early signs can be present before 12 months.(6)
It can be reliably diagnosed at age 2, though most children receive a diagnosis after 4.(1)
However, autism can also be diagnosed in the later childhood years. Sometimes, challenges don't arise until children enter school and have difficulty making friends or start showing behavior problems.
Common Co-Morbid Conditions with Autism
Parents should be aware that children with ASD often have other co-occurring conditions.
Children with autism are more likely to have:(7)
· Neurological conditions, such as epilepsy
· Sleep disorders
· Genetic disorders
· Gastrointestinal disorders
· Feeding and eating issues
· Anxiety disorders
· Mood disorders
For instance, research indicates that anxiety is present in almost 40% of children with autism spectrum disorder.(8)
These co-morbid conditions may happen along with ASD or develop later in life. It's important to be aware of them and get help from a doctor or specialist.
What Treatments Are Available for My Child With ASD?
The good news is that there are a number of different treatment options available for children with ASD. The not-so-good news is, that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for autism.
It can be tricky to navigate all the possible treatments, supports, and interventions for your child, so here is a breakdown of some of the more common ones:
Applied behavior analysis (ABA): A behavioral intervention intended to support children with ASD in improving their skills by reinforcing positive behaviors.
Mental health support: Seeing a psychologist, or other mental health specialist can help your child, especially if they have co-morbid conditions like anxiety or depression.
School-based and special education services: School-based professionals can assess your child's needs and may provide an Individual Education Plan. Under an IEP, students with ASD receive specialized instruction and services to support their learning.
Social skills support: A type of therapy that helps children with autism develop the social skills they need to interact with peers.
Speech therapy: A Speech-Language Pathologist can help children with speech and communication skills. Many schools directly employ SLPs.
Medication: Prescribed medications may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, though are typically a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
How Can I Help My Child with Autism Succeed in School and Life?
If you suspect your child may have autism, the first step is to get an evaluation.
Take time to learn what you can about autism spectrum disorder and the various treatments and interventions available. The more you know, the better you will be able to advocate for your child's needs.
Partnering with your child's teacher will be key to their success in school. And when home, you can help support your child by providing consistent structure and routine.
Encouraging your child's interests and providing opportunities for them to practice social skills with other children their age can also be helpful.
What Can I Do If I'm Struggling as a Parent of a Child With ASD?
Let's face it. Parenting is the toughest job around. You have to pour your heart and soul into it 24/7 with little to no sleep, vacations, or mental breaks. And on top of all that, your kiddo is still upset because you cut their sandwich into four instead of two pieces. No wonder you're struggling!
It’s important to seek out support from other parents, professionals, or autism organizations.
Parent skills training: While sessions with a psychologist can be incredibly helpful, what do you do when the psychologist isn't there? It can be very helpful to gain skills and learn effective ways to respond to challenging behavior.
Support groups: Here you can learn from other parents going through similar challenges. And have a chance to vent, share your wins, and get advice.
Autism-specific parent organizations: These organizations can provide you with information about resources in your area.
Autism education: If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, educate yourself on the condition. The more you know, the better you’ll understand your child and how to provide more effective support at home. Be sure to listen to my podcast, Genius Little Minds, where I dive deeper into the mind of a child with autism, plus answer questions from parents like you.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get parenting tips and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
References