Spectrum Connections Blog

Want to understand the Neurodiversity Spectrum, Anxiety, OCD, Trauma and/or Neurodivergent Relationships? Or simply to get advice, updates and reading recommendations? Welcome to Dr. G’s Blog!

OCD

How Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is Diagnosed

Most people have a basic understanding of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). But, you might not recognize the signs or symptoms enough to determine if you or someone you care about actually has the disorder.  Unfortunately, that lack of information or understanding could be what’s keeping you from getting the official diagnosis and help you need. 

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Autism

Helpful ERP Therapy Considerations for the Autism Spectrum & OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can often co-occur with the Autism Spectrum Condition. In fact, 17.4-37 % of autistic individuals also can have OCD at the same time (vanSteensal, et., al 2011; Zabowski & Storch, 2018). For the purpose of this blog post, I will refer to autism in identity first language. It’s important to remember to

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Anxiety

Is OCD an Anxiety Disorder?

While historically OCD was considered a form of an anxiety disorder, because the intrusive thoughts trigger an anxious response, most recently in 2013 OCD has been classified as its own disorder by the American Psychological Association. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. But there are several different types

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OCD

The Impact of OCD on Relationships

OCD can impact nearly every area of your life. Many people focus on how it affects your career or education. But, on a daily basis, you’ll have to deal with how it affects your relationships. From friends and family to romantic partners, OCD can play a major role in your thoughts and behaviors when it comes

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Autism

Is There a Link Between OCD and Autism Spectrum?

Aril is autism awareness and acceptance month. So in honor of this, and to highlight the neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed work we do at Spectrum Connections Therapy, we will share some more resources and blogs this month related to autism. At Spectrum Connections Therapy, we specialize in both Autism and OCD and this post will focus

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OCD

Important Considerations for OCD Treatment in Children

It’s estimated that about 1-2% of kids struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and OCD is notably the 4th most common psychiatric condition in the United States (www.iocdf.org). The most common onset age occurs in the late teen years, but OCD can impact younger children as well. While OCD can impact children slightly differently and range in

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ADHD

OCD vs. ADHD: 3 Similarities & 3 Differences

Most people have a basic idea of what OCD and ADHD are. However, the two conditions may get confused, or the symptoms get misdiagnosed. It’s important to understand both the similarities and differences between OCD and ADHD, especially if you’re concerned that someone in your life might be dealing with one or the other. Educating

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OCD

Is OCD Neurodivergent?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is considered a type of anxiety disorder. While OCD can absolutely create anxious thoughts and foster anxiety-related symptoms, in more recent years, it has been also viewed as neurodiverse in origin. What does that mean? Someone who is neurodivergent has a brain that processes things differently, learns differently, or behaves differently than

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A path leads through a forest of trees
OCD

Diagnosing OCD: 5 Main Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

It’s estimated that about 1 in 100 adults deals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), accounting for 2-3 million adults in the U.S. alone. While OCD can impact people slightly differently and range in severity, there are some common symptoms to be aware of. The sooner you recognize and understand these main symptoms, the easier it will be to

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OCD

What You Can Do to Help Your Child Manage Their OCD Symptoms

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can occur in all ages. Put simply, it is an ongoing, persistent inability to tolerate uncertainty about a perceived distressing thought or threat. Frequently, this intolerance looks like disruptive, repetitive rituals and sounds like constant reassurance seeking from loved ones to try to gain certainty about an upsetting trigger. It can be diagnosed

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