Autism and OCD

[Sweetcheeks63]

Autism and OCD

Edited August 19, 2021 by Sweetcheeks63
I made a mistake.

[Sweetcheeks63]

3 minutes ago, Sweetcheeks63 said:

Autism and OCD?

My son 22years) was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and has always had ‘obsessions’ throughout his life which bring him pleasure. However over the past couple of years, and the last year in particular, these obsessions have changed significantly. He is now suffering from recurring intrusive thoughts which continue throughout the day and night, intruding on his ability to enjoy life, focus on his studies and severely affecting his sleep.

We have tried yoga, Mindfulness and CBT with no success. The CBT worked well until his challenges became too complex, resulting in the sessions causing much more harm than good. 

 Initial interviews seem to be confirming that Keir may well be presenting with comorbid OCD and or an anxiety disorder and assessment is underway.

While I am educated and knowledgable about how My son’s autism affects him, I am aware that treating OCD can be challenging on it’s own, but treating OCD when it co-exists alongside autism can be even more difficult and the strategies we use for autism may be doing more harm than good. I am also well aware that the longer OCD is left untreated, the harder it is to treat.

I have not gone through the GP/Psychological Services route as aware of the enormous pressure the service has been under and waiting lists are long. I am also acutely aware that if treatment is not ASD specific it can cause enormous harm. We have started with a private therapy company and assessment who are in a position to conduct assessment and therapy sessions as we speak and we feel it is of the utmost urgency that we do everything we can to help and support my son to have an improved mental wellbeing before the start of his Year 3 at university  

His obsessions are intrusive sexual thoughts and his compulsion is to ‘check in ‘ with me that he is ok. This can last about 10-15 hours a day and usually peaks through the night, which involves me sitting with him and talking him down  

Just wondering if anyone has experience of this. Obviously my concern is the co morbidity with autism, which from what I have read can make it harder to treat. Thankyou for reading 

 

 

3 minutes ago, Sweetcheeks63 said:

 

[Stace]

Hi Sweetcheeks63, I don't have enough experience of autism to offer any useful advice, but just wanted to say I really feel for you and how difficult it must be for you all. You must be exhausted! 

It sounds like you're an amazing mum. I hope you soon find the help and support you need 

[Sweetcheeks63]

2 hours ago, Stace said:

Hi Sweetcheeks63, I don't have enough experience of autism to offer any useful advice, but just wanted to say I really feel for you and how difficult it must be for you all. You must be exhausted! 

It sounds like you're an amazing mum. I hope you soon find the help and support you need 

Thankyou for your kind words   

[Gemma@OCDUK]

Hi Sweetcheeks63,

We do hear from many parents where their child has a diagnosis of both OCD and ASD, and we understand how complex things can seem when your child has both conditions at once. It is possible to have success in CBT provided a therapist is skilled enough to work out what behaviours come about because of ASD and what are caused by OCD. Typically, more sessions of CBT are required, so for example the specialist children's service in London offer 20 sessions for those with OCD and ASD as opposed to 14 sessions for OCD alone. 

It's good that you've managed to access some private therapy for your son, but it could be worth looking into accessing CBT on the NHS, even if there is a long waiting list, he can still continue with the private CBT in the meantime. 

Have you talked to your son about OCD, is he aware that checking in with you is a compulsion that will make the problem worse long term?

Gemma

 

[JulesSwim]

Hi Sweetcheeks63

I know how hard a time you’re having right now as my son also has autism and OCD. It was the OCD that brought us to CAMHS when he was in primary school (he is 18 now) and they told us it was part of his autism. These days it is intrusive thoughts and as with your son, nighttime is hard. He often comes in to seek reassurance from me during the night. I don’t have any information to help you - our son will not consider medication or therapy at present, but I wanted you to know you are not alone, and it helps me to read your post to feel less isolated myself. 

[Linda]

On 07/09/2021 at 19:36, JulesSwim said:

Hi Sweetcheeks63

I know how hard a time you’re having right now as my son also has autism and OCD. It was the OCD that brought us to CAMHS when he was in primary school (he is 18 now) and they told us it was part of his autism. These days it is intrusive thoughts and as with your son, nighttime is hard. He often comes in to seek reassurance from me during the night. I don’t have any information to help you - our son will not consider medication or therapy at present, but I wanted you to know you are not alone, and it helps me to read your post to feel less isolated myself. 

Oh Thankyou for your reply, it helps so much that I am not alone.