Re: Should I or shouldn't I

[Guest guest]

Hi!

It seems like you've gotten a few responses on this from those who

have had a bad experience with their school system. So I need to ask,

what is your take on your son's school? Have they been willing to

work with you in the past, or is the first time you've needed to

discuss an issue with them?

I'd like to think that the school would be sympathetic to your son's

plight. You mention in another message that you can't expect too much

from those who are uneducated about OCD. I would say you need to give

your school a chance, they may already be educated and willing to make

accomodations. If they don't " get it " , you can help educate them.

I know your son's at a difficult age for this, but unfortunately his

symptoms are now becoming noticeable. Does he actually go to the

bathroom, or is it all hand-washing? Are you saying now he asks to

use the water fountain and instead goes to the bathroom to wash his

hands? Does he do this in every class? One time or more? If it's

only certain classes, there's no need for all his teachers to know

about his OCD.

I agree with another poster (Pam, maybe?) that you should talk to the

school psychologist first, or someone in a similar role. Explain your

fears of letting the teachers know, and ask that they work with you

while your son is getting better. Sitting down with your son

beforehand and explaining to him why you are doing this should help, I

think he'll be embarrassed if nothing is done and he gets

reprimanded/punished for abusing his bathroom priveleges.

Keep us updated!

nna.

NY

>

> My son, 13, says he ran out of bathroom passes - apparently they are

> given 15 for the quarter. To wash his hands he asks for permission

> to use the water fountain in the hall.

>

> He only began the medicine last week and cbt can't start until his

> anxiety level comes down -

>

> So, my problem is, do I call his school and ask someone to give him

> more bathroom passes? Do I contact his teachers and ask them to

> ignore his handwashing needs for now?

>

> My concern is one or more of the teachers thinking they are doing him

> good by stopping him - being 'firm' with him - teaching him some self

> control.

>

> Or a teacher somehow humiliating him with the knowledge he has ocd.

>

> Would it be better to leave the school in the dark as long as his

> symptoms are essentialy not very noticable? This is the way he would

> prefer it - 13 is such a self-conscious age to begin with.