comorbid autism and OCD

[zumbalady]

I am the parent of a 20 year old son with autism and OCD. My son has always had OCD symptoms but over the past 18 months he has developed contamination OCD to the point where he is in the bathroom for about half of the day, either washing hands, showering, or wiping after using the restroom. We have been seeing a psychologist where we live but Jake hasn’t made much progress. I think the co-occuring autism is making it difficult for us to get him to understand that OCD is a problem. He is getting more and more depressed about it, and we are desperate to get him some help so he can start feeling better. We have a behavioral therapist as well through the Medicaid waiver system that has been working with Jake for 10 years and she is also struggling to make any headway with the OCD. I am trying to find basically any professional or parent who may have experience treating comorbid autism and OCD. Any information is appreciated.

Thanks

[Tammey411]

Have you looked into Rogers Behavioral Hospital? Or Butler Psychiatry hospital in Rhode Island? I highly recommend looking into both, Butler has clinical trails often which may help and Rogers Is World known for OCD therapy. My daughter does not have the Autism, but when she was out patient in Rogers, there was a young man with Autism. They also have centers in many large cities in the country.

[zumbalady in reply to Tammey411]

Yes, we have called Rogers. We need to do the entry interview and figure out if it is a good fit for our son. Thanks!

[Hidden]

Hello,

You can search for professionals who have experience with both ASD and OCD by using our Resource Directory: iocdf.org/find-help/

Everyone listed in this directory has experience with general OCD, but then we also have a search filter to find therapists who have also indicated that they can treat ASD as well.

Let us know if you need any help using the directory!

[zumbalady in reply to Hidden]

Unfortunately there are only 3 professionals listed in Indianapolis, and they don't have experience with autism. But one of them referred us to another professional who does, and we are working with her now.

[Hidden]

This sounds so challenging. I imagine I don't have any ideas you or your team haven't already thought of, but I wish you and your family well. It sounds tough. The one idea I have (if you're not already doing this) is to make sure that you and the psychologist and behavioral therapist are working together on a joint plan and that there are regular team meetings. It always helps when everyone's on the same page. Take care.