Introduction

[Guest guest]

My son was dx at 3 with first symptoms of anxiety starting at birth and first

clear compulsive symptoms at 9 months in hindsight. My advice is to find an

expert who works with very young children even if it means traveling or doing an

intensive program. When I think of the years we wasted with inferior help, it

breaks my heart. The family dynamics are really hard. My son is the oldest of

3 boys ( now 15,13 and 9) and it has truly caused problems for the others. We

have tried to explain to the kids that it is not him but his disease that is the

problem. YOu might have an easier time since your others are older, but then

again, they may be jealous of the attention she gets since she is the baby. We

have also done family therapy at times. Happy to talk off lie if you would like.

NOt that many people who have dealt with very young children with OCD.

The short version of how to treat though is the same as if they are older

(CBT/ERP) but they have a hard time understanding it. Get some good kids books

about it ( UP and Down the worry hill, What to do when your brain gets stuck,

or even ones that address it obliquely ( the scardy squirrel series, or Harry

and the Terrible whatizt come to mind). Name it as something separate from her,

tell stories about defeating it etc. I would also get a good parent guide to

OCD.

But overall, if you need to totally disrupt your life to find an expert out of

your area, then do it. Better to know what good therapy looks like early and

then deal with inferior local help after then the other way around. Good luck

and hang in there

[Guest guest]

I want to welcome you to the group! I have only been on here about three

months, but I am already finding the group very helpful. The people on here are

always ready to reach out and help you with what they have experienced.

I can't really help you with family dynamics because my daughter is my only

child. There is some stress between me, her dad, and my husband (her step-dad).

The two dads think I coddle (spelling?) her.

I think it is wonderful that you have figured it out at the age of three! My

daughter started exhibiting symptoms at 9 but we didn't realized it was OCD

until she was 12. So don't beat yourself up for not noticing sooner. I think

you will have a wonderful chance at being successful with therapy since she is

so young.

Wishing you much success!

>

> Hi Everyone,

>  

> I am so glad to have found this group. My daughter (who turned 3 in December)

has exhibited compulsive behaviors for probably at least a year (ranging from

rituals such as needing to give hugs, kisses, and repeated patterns of high-5's

before bed or before anyone leaves the house, to needing to undo and redo things

that upset her). Within the last week, this has escalated into violent tantrums.

She is a very verbal and very physically affectionate child, but in these

moments I could not break through to her--could not physically or verbally

comfort her.Until this happened, I had not worried to much about the

compulsions--something I have dealt with myself in a very mild form. The recent

behaviors, though, took us to our pediatrician, who was amazingly generous with

her time, expressed concern, and is working on a referal to a psychiatrist. I'm

feeling a mixture of relief that we were taken seriously and can get help, guilt

that I didn't seek help

> earlier, and fear now that it has suddenly become real.

>  

> I'm going to start digging into old group files, but I would love to hear from

others--especially anyone whose child has faced this struggle at so early an

age. I'd also love to hear from anyone who might be in the Indianapolis area or

have knowledge about specialists there. We are in Bloomington, but our

pediatrician thinks we will need to seek someone out at Riley Children's

Hospital because Eleanor is so young. Eleanor is the youngest of my three girls

(the others are 13 and 6), and I would also love to hear about how others have

worked on family dynamics--something we are already struggling with as Eleanor's

behaviors impact the other girls.

>  

> Thank you for listening,

>  

> Greta

>

>

[Guest guest]

I want to welcome you to the group! I have only been on here about three

months, but I am already finding the group very helpful. The people on here are

always ready to reach out and help you with what they have experienced.

I can't really help you with family dynamics because my daughter is my only

child. There is some stress between me, her dad, and my husband (her step-dad).

The two dads think I coddle (spelling?) her.

I think it is wonderful that you have figured it out at the age of three! My

daughter started exhibiting symptoms at 9 but we didn't realized it was OCD

until she was 12. So don't beat yourself up for not noticing sooner. I think

you will have a wonderful chance at being successful with therapy since she is

so young.

Wishing you much success!

>

> Hi Everyone,

>  

> I am so glad to have found this group. My daughter (who turned 3 in December)

has exhibited compulsive behaviors for probably at least a year (ranging from

rituals such as needing to give hugs, kisses, and repeated patterns of high-5's

before bed or before anyone leaves the house, to needing to undo and redo things

that upset her). Within the last week, this has escalated into violent tantrums.

She is a very verbal and very physically affectionate child, but in these

moments I could not break through to her--could not physically or verbally

comfort her.Until this happened, I had not worried to much about the

compulsions--something I have dealt with myself in a very mild form. The recent

behaviors, though, took us to our pediatrician, who was amazingly generous with

her time, expressed concern, and is working on a referal to a psychiatrist. I'm

feeling a mixture of relief that we were taken seriously and can get help, guilt

that I didn't seek help

> earlier, and fear now that it has suddenly become real.

>  

> I'm going to start digging into old group files, but I would love to hear from

others--especially anyone whose child has faced this struggle at so early an

age. I'd also love to hear from anyone who might be in the Indianapolis area or

have knowledge about specialists there. We are in Bloomington, but our

pediatrician thinks we will need to seek someone out at Riley Children's

Hospital because Eleanor is so young. Eleanor is the youngest of my three girls

(the others are 13 and 6), and I would also love to hear about how others have

worked on family dynamics--something we are already struggling with as Eleanor's

behaviors impact the other girls.

>  

> Thank you for listening,

>  

> Greta

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sharon! You will find so much support and help here! I have twins who

just turned 13 who both have OCD. My daughter also has compulsive hair pulling,

which is controlled by medication. Sometimes OCD compulsions can look like

tics, so that may have been what your daughter was doing. For example, there

was a period where my daughter would do something with her mouth that looked

like a yawn, but wasn't. She also had a phase where she would make a slight,

inconspicuous spit when she thought she had come near something she thought

might be contagious, but wasn't. There were other things, too, but they were

long ago and I've forgotten. It is wonderful that your daughter is doing so

much better and is continuing to work on overcoming her fears/compulsions.

Three cheers for her and for you for supporting her in the effort!

Introduction

I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.

My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten. She

was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom. Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs. It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress. I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.

Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone. Thank you, all!!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sharon! You will find so much support and help here! I have twins who

just turned 13 who both have OCD. My daughter also has compulsive hair pulling,

which is controlled by medication. Sometimes OCD compulsions can look like

tics, so that may have been what your daughter was doing. For example, there

was a period where my daughter would do something with her mouth that looked

like a yawn, but wasn't. She also had a phase where she would make a slight,

inconspicuous spit when she thought she had come near something she thought

might be contagious, but wasn't. There were other things, too, but they were

long ago and I've forgotten. It is wonderful that your daughter is doing so

much better and is continuing to work on overcoming her fears/compulsions.

Three cheers for her and for you for supporting her in the effort!

Introduction

I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.

My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten. She

was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom. Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs. It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress. I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.

Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone. Thank you, all!!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sharon! You will find so much support and help here! I have twins who

just turned 13 who both have OCD. My daughter also has compulsive hair pulling,

which is controlled by medication. Sometimes OCD compulsions can look like

tics, so that may have been what your daughter was doing. For example, there

was a period where my daughter would do something with her mouth that looked

like a yawn, but wasn't. She also had a phase where she would make a slight,

inconspicuous spit when she thought she had come near something she thought

might be contagious, but wasn't. There were other things, too, but they were

long ago and I've forgotten. It is wonderful that your daughter is doing so

much better and is continuing to work on overcoming her fears/compulsions.

Three cheers for her and for you for supporting her in the effort!

Introduction

I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.

My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten. She

was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom. Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs. It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress. I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.

Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone. Thank you, all!!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon, so glad you shared! Happy to hear she has been able to get rid of

the sweatshirt and is making so much progress. Once begun, it's wonderful to

see! I think it helps them too somehow (confidence?) to more easily beat some

of their OC's.

>

> I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.  

>

> My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

 She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom.  Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs.  It has taken

us a long time to

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon, so glad you shared! Happy to hear she has been able to get rid of

the sweatshirt and is making so much progress. Once begun, it's wonderful to

see! I think it helps them too somehow (confidence?) to more easily beat some

of their OC's.

>

> I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.  

>

> My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

 She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom.  Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs.  It has taken

us a long time to

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon, so glad you shared! Happy to hear she has been able to get rid of

the sweatshirt and is making so much progress. Once begun, it's wonderful to

see! I think it helps them too somehow (confidence?) to more easily beat some

of their OC's.

>

> I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.  

>

> My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

 She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom.  Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs.  It has taken

us a long time to

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon! Thanks for sharing! It's so encouraging to hear about how your

daughter is doing! You all must be working very hard. I hope too this is her

best year yet. Would love to hear more about what ERPs she has done, what's

motivated her and all that good stuff - always something to learn.

Rhonda

Introduction

I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.

My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom. Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs. It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress. I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.

Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone. Thank you, all!!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon! Thanks for sharing! It's so encouraging to hear about how your

daughter is doing! You all must be working very hard. I hope too this is her

best year yet. Would love to hear more about what ERPs she has done, what's

motivated her and all that good stuff - always something to learn.

Rhonda

Introduction

I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.

My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom. Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs. It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress. I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.

Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone. Thank you, all!!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon! Thanks for sharing! It's so encouraging to hear about how your

daughter is doing! You all must be working very hard. I hope too this is her

best year yet. Would love to hear more about what ERPs she has done, what's

motivated her and all that good stuff - always something to learn.

Rhonda

Introduction

I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.

My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom. Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs. It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress. I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.

Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone. Thank you, all!!

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

Just wanted to add my welcome to the rest. Glad you came out of lurking

Always great to hear that someone is making progress. The transition to high

school can be a big one. I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is " fighting

back stronger " as you say, I'm sure this will help her with the transition, and

you are right to have high hopes.

My son told me, he was so caught up dealing with the OCD, that anything else

about high school, ie fitting in, he just didn't have room to care about - which

was saying a lot for him! I find what they go through to deal with the OCD, the

strength and courage and perserverence they learn, serves them well with

everything else in life.

Thanks for sharing. Great for everyone to hear good news!

Warmly,

Barb

Canada

Son, 21yrs, OCD/LD Plus

>

> I've been lurking for a while and thought it was about time that I introduced

myself.  

>

> My 14 yo dd exhibited some transient tic behavior starting in kindergarten.

 She was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder in fourth grade when her

compulsive handwashing got in the way of her learning in the classroom.  Until

recently she always wore a sweatshirt to protect her from germs.  It has taken

us a long time to find the right therapist and combination of meds but this

summer she is fighting back with greater power than ever before and seems to be

making significant progress.  I have high hopes for the fall, when she will

enter high school.  

>

> Reading the posts here is very helpful for me, both the practical advice and

because I remember that I am not alone.  Thank you, all!!

>

> Sharon

>

>