Help - Child with OCD???? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

Arien · 01-24-2006, 10:47 AM

Hello,

I have a three year old son, I work fulltime, but I was with him exclusively for the first ten months of his life, then I worked part-time for two years, and recently have started fulltime over the past 4 months. He's in care half-day and then goes with his grandmother until I get home from work.

I've noticed this strange habit developing, I'm wondering if anyone can explain/recognizes this as a tic from OCD, any info will be appreciated.

He keeps brushing his hair away from his face, I had his hair cut fairly short cause I thought his hair was bothering him, but he won't quit doing it. It seems to me like a nervous habit, and have no real experience with OCD, but could this be a symptom??? He doesn't have anyother strange habits, he does sort blocks into colours, and objects of the same type together but it's just a game. Nothing strange about that. it's just the hair brushing away from his face when there's not really any hair there... I ask him if his hair is botherng him, but he's onyl three and doesn't really communicate that well about it when I ask him.

I'm going to ask his teacher at school and then go to the doctor if I don't resolve this soon. Unfortunately I think it's nervousness more than anything, but I can't leave my job to be with him as much as I would like to.

over-loaded · 01-25-2006, 11:43 PM

Hi,
I have a teen age son diagnosed with ocd. my advice would be to just keep a watchful eye on things but not draw too much attention to his habit. It might just be a habit. I think you feel some guilt about not being at home for your son. It is good for your son to be exposed to other enviroments and other people. It is obvious from your letter that you love him dearly and he surely knows it. It will come across in your voice and behavior when you are with him. You are being a great mom by giving him varied experiences and opportunities to interact with people other than his mom. He is learning to stand alone and be confident. Important stuff. You are also being a great mom by providing for his needs by working. He is a lucky boy.

LVanhoy · 03-23-2006, 02:09 PM

hello overloaded.
we have just found out our daughter 13 has ocd. Its kinda just surfaced with all the obsessions. she seems to be concerned about the germs and her spreading them and getting someone else sick and then they in turn get someone else sick. I would like to talk to a mother of an OCD pre-teen child .. thanks

VAUXHALL OMEGA · 03-23-2006, 05:06 PM

Hi Arien, just read your post. I have OCD but I don't remember having any symptoms as young as three! Personally, I would say that this is just a nervous habit/tic, like a child who blinks alot, or children in assembly when a lot of children get into the habit of constant coughing!

Obviously keep an eye on it, but don't make an issue out of it, if he is a naturally nervous child, this could only make him develop more nervous habits!

Best of luck

Linda in MI · 03-23-2006, 05:37 PM

Hi Everyone,

My 9-year-old son was diagnosed with OCD last spring. He is a compulsive washer and worries constantly about germs spreading around. I would be happy to share any of our experiences. It has been quite a roller coaster year for us!

Linda