Blythe, my sweet angel child, has always been what I like to call quirky.
I have no problem with quirky – I mean, we all have our eccentricities. She does seem to be adding to the list pretty rapidly lately, but, hey. Terrible two’s, anyone?
Recently, though, when I took Blythe to work with me and she ended up randomly freaking out *understatement*, one of the other preschool teachers asked if she has sensory integration issues.
My immediate response was, “No,” but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that some of her peculiarities might actually be signs of something more serious.
Some of them include:
She ONLY sleeps through the night when her bed is made with her pink microfiber sheet.
She HAS to wear full-bodied, cotton, footed pajamas. With a zipper. It’s that, or be nu.de.
She potty trained herself because she doesn’t like diapers (certainly not complaining, there)
She needs bottles. NEEDS. They comfort her like nothing else.
She is terrified of costumes: especially wigs and feather boas. TERRIFIED.
She HATES certain colors. Asking her to touch them is like asking her to eat poop and like it.
I called our child psychologist, on a Saturday, no less and set up an appointment to get Blythe evaluated. I wonder if she regrets giving me her cell phone number, yet?
Today, we have some good news. She doesn’t think Blythe has sensory integration problems.
The tentative diagnosis? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – OCD.
Feckity feck feck feck. ~Hey Kia, I hope you know I’m going to be all up in your grill now that both of our kids have been diagnosed. Stealing your signature “feck” is just the beginning.~
Fortunately, we already have a great relationship with our psych because of the amazing work she’s done with Alison, so I think we’re already a step ahead.
Even so, a part of me is just screaming inside, because: DUDE! Like this kid needs more issues to deal with! Aren’t the severe food allergies and the compromised immune system and the asthma and all the other things that go along with those ENOUGH, already?
*Deep breath*
It’s going to be OK. Just another bump in the road.
She’s going to be her own little version of fine.
Yes, she will. We will.
16 replies on “OCD”
Wow. Just…wow.
Holy cow. when it rains it pours, huh?
She will be just as awesome either way, but maybe they can help her deal with it in some way? Sheesh. Hugs Andrea.
Yes, you are right. She is absolutely, positively her own perfect self.
I’m the mama to a wonderful 5 year old boy who has Sensory Processing Disorder, and it is definitely challenging at times. But he is totally amazing just how he is, and the same is true for Blythe.
Hugs to you, it is a big transition and I know it’s more on your plate to deal with. You can do it.
OK, deep cleansing breaths. I know you’re freaking right now, BUT she’s the same kid she was yesterday before the diagnosis. Try to remember that.
NOW, you will be more aware of pitfalls & hopefully have more tools to deal with them. Also, you’re right she’s two some of this may go away (and new things will appear,) but that’s w/all kids too. Remember, we ALL have issues, her’s have a name, which means there’s help to get through those issues. How’s that for a positive spin?
Whatever the case, she is much loved and you are a great mama. Maybe it’s just a phase and she will grow past it. Many toddlers are very particular about what they wear and eat and touch. My son was very much like that and LOVED his bottle with a passion. He hates scratchy labels and clothing and has a specific ritual for doing things. I’ve never thought he might have OCD – he has grown out of it over the years. (He’s six now). Have hope and know that you’re doing everything right. She’s perfect.
Tricia 🙂
My 28 year old has OCD and it went into BDD so the sooner you get help the better. I will say a prayer.
Gads. Could you please just move up here? At least then I’d have a real-life friend who gets it. Please???? We’re really nice in Canada. Honest. Ok, well, SOME of us are nice. I happen to not be the nicest person I know, but I’m not full-on evil, either. Ok, maybe I am. But I like you so you’ll be fine…
I’m so sorry you guys have this monster on your plates now too. It’s awful. There are very few days when I don’t have tears over Little Man’s challenges in life. It’s just not fair.
Aww! Good Luck with all that! ;p
As an OCD type myself, who if I allowed myself would freak out at the slightest break in routine or hint of chaos, I can say that diagnosing it early is (at least) a good thing.
Who isn’t little OCD ! She is fine ….my daughter for years had to wear her socks inside out and one day she stopped.
Wow. You know I’m a phone call away if you ever need to talk or vent.
XOXO
I’m here. I’m reading. That’s hard to hear, but now you know and you can get on with helping her handle life even if she is a little OCD. Love you.
oh, my lady… just oh. and *hugs*
FECK !! i am sorry. how old is she. my 5 year old has spd but i am thinking ocd as well.
Okay, I know you and I have talked about this. What course of action did they recommend?
I just read a news article about doctors finding some kids with OCD have been found to have strep in their brains. They’ve found that antibiotics help with the OCD like behaviors. Something to think about. Here’s the link.
http://www.aolhealth.com/health/caregiver-support/strep-throat-obsessive-compulsive-disorder?icid=main|main|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fhealth%2Fcaregiver-support%2Fstrep-throat-obsessive-compulsive-disorder