For reasons that I cannot explain, Obsessive Compulsive Behavior is often a co-morbid condition alongside spectrum issues (or maybe it is a condition on the spectrum ? not sure how that is defined).? Ty does not have an extreme case of OCD.? The predominant areas we see it exercised are associated to his areas of special interest – food and electronics.

I try my best to keep Ty out of my kitchen.? The child CANNOT keep his hands off food on counter tops.? Cannot.? This is a daily issue.? If he sees it, the urge to touch and taste are powerful.

If he sees a button, he must press.

I bought a Flashmaster to help Ty learn his math facts.? Math facts are difficult for Ty in the conceptual understanding so we rely on rote memorization.? I have had to learn that memorizing math facts without truly understanding the concept of the math is very difficult.? It is memorizing a bunch of number sequences and that is no small feat.? I have been beyond exasperated because Ty has the tendency to compulsively press buttons before he has arrived at the right answer.? (Actually, this has very little to do with buttons because Ty compulsively answers verbal questions inaccurately the first time and THEN thinks and self corrects very frequently).

He was getting miserable scores on his math practice because I could not get him to wait until he knew the answer before he pushed the button.? One day, trying to teach him math concepts, we were rehearsing counting up and counting down.?? ?3 + 5 = 8.? Do it this way.? Count up 3.? Say out loud ? 6 ? 7 ? 8.? The answer is 8.? It took us some practice but he learned those steps and can now count up and backward (at least for his 3s).? ?I was delighted to discover that I had stumbled on a way to deter the compulsion.? When he counts up out loud it distracts him from button pushing.? When he has the answer and has said it out loud, he enters the correct one. He is now scoring in the 90s consistently on addition and subtraction of his 3 table all on his own.? Wooohooo!!! ?We went through weeks fighting this compulsion so I was so excited to learn a new method of getting around an OCD issue.

How You Can Help?

I would not suggest taking Ty to eat at places like Yogurtology nor any open buffet style dining establishment.?? He wanted yogurt recently and I went into panic mode when we walked into Yogurtology (inconveniently located down the street from us) and I took notice of the LONG bar of toppings easily accessible by small children.? That was a challenge.

I have addressed the use of your cell phone and electronics already.? Compulsive button pushing may cause you some interesting technological difficulties.? If you choose to loan your equipment to Ty, I would appreciate it if you sign a waiver agreeing not to hold us accountable for the use of internet bill hee hee.?? My good friend Erin told me recently that Ty asked her for her email address.? She gave it to him.? When he then asked for her password, she thought twice.? Smart gal that Erin.