Freedom from OCD
When he was dealing with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, my son Dan spent nine weeks in a world-renowned residential treatment program. During this time, he kept saying things such as “I’m…
Caregivers
A Systematic Approach to Understanding Learning Styles in Students with Disabilities
The way in which individuals perceive information and process it in different ways has an impact on learning. The understanding that each individual possess a unique set of biological and…
OCD is Messy
Since 2008 I have had the privilege of getting to know many people who deal with obsessive-compulsive disorder. We’ve connected through face-to-face meetings, email exchanges, telephone calls, and social media….
What If the ‘What Ifs’ Come True?
Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder typically realize their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and make no sense. There are times, however, that this belief can waver – especially when on…
When to Seek Treatment for OCD
Most experts agree that it is time to seek treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder when the illness “interferes with your daily life.” While “interfering” can mean different things to different people, it…
Have OCD? You Can Still Keep the Bar High
One of the main reasons I write about my family’s experiences is to get the word out that obsessive-compulsive disorder, no matter how severe, is treatable. Stories of recovery can give hope…
Choosing Exposure Response Prevention Therapy
As I have mentioned in many of my articles, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is the front line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder as recommended by the American Psychological Association….
Making Sense of Sensory Processing Disorder
Our bodies are wired for sensory input. Touch, (which includes temperature, texture and pressure), taste, sound, sight and smell are the ways in which we explore the world, from the…
Should OCD Be a Family Affair?
When my seventeen-year-old son Dan was first diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, I wanted details. What was he thinking, how was he feeling, is today better or worse than yesterday? The…
Preventive Therapy for OCD?
The postpartum period is sometimes accompanied by anxiety, depression, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder. Studies on preventive therapy for postpartum OCD have shown promising results. What a great idea! Stop OCD in its…
Your Aspie Child & Sports
If you are a parent of a kid with Asperger’s (an Aspie), you know how painful participation in sports can be for them — and for you. One exasperated dad…
Why Don’t I Have OCD?
I was an anxious child. The night before the first day of elementary school each year, I would sleep on top of my already made bed instead of getting under…
Is He Really Fine?
My son Dan’s obsessive-compulsive disorder often revolved around his thoughts more than his actions, so we really didn’t know anything was wrong until he told us. It’s not unusual for those…
OCD and Doing the Opposite
When my son Dan was struggling with severe OCD, his compulsions were all done “to keep something bad from happening.” In his mind, if he moved from his chair, neglected to…
OCD and Ignorance
I’ve been an advocate for OCD awareness since 2006, and from the very beginning I’ve received compliments from people after they hear how I did everything I could to help my…
