OCD & Neurodivergence.
OCD-UK specialises in supporting and guiding people with OCD. Whilst we do not specialise in support and research around neurodivergence, we are aware of the overlap that can occur between the two, and we have some knowledge, resources, and guidance on the subject. On this page you will be able to find:Presentations
Freely available online presentations about the overlap between OCD and neurodivergence.Resources
Other resources we have including books, workbooks, and links to resources created by other organisations.Lived experience
Real life stories shared by people who are neurodivergent with lived experience of OCD.Sign posting
Links and information to other organisations and charities dedicated to helping and guiding neurodivergent people.Presentations.
OCD & Autism
This talk describes some of the ways OCD can look like autism, some of the ways autism can look like OCD, as well as thinking about what happens when they do overlap.
Accessing Appropriate Support for OCD in the Context of Neurodivergence
Accessing OCD treatment for neurodivergent people, including overlaps and interactions between neurodivergence and OCD.
OCD & Autism
Exploring the crossover between OCD and autism, disentangling OCD and autism, treatment adaptions and the evidence base for treatment, and what treatment adaptations may increase effectiveness.
Note: this presentation was designed specifically for an audience of parents who have neurodivergent children with OCD. However, all ages may find the presentation helpful.
Disentangling OCD and autism and treatment adaptions
This presentation took place at the OCD-UK conference, hosted in Northampton on Saturday 16th November 2019
Note: this presentation was designed specifically for an audience of parents who have neurodivergent children with OCD. However, all ages may find the presentation helpful.
Resources.
OCD and autism book
By Amita Jassi, Kate Johnston and Ailsa Russell. A step-by-step manual explaining how to adapt CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) approaches to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) for autistic children and adults.
Challenge Your OCD: CBT workbook for young people who are autistic and have OCD
By Amita Jassi. This workbook, structured as a flexible 20-session programme, adapts CBT treatment to the specific needs of young people who are autistic and have OCD.
New research and free guide: how to adapt mental health talking therapies for autistic children and adults
The National Autistic Society and Mind have a free 'good practice' guide to help mental health professionals adapt talking therapies for autistic adults and children, alongside new research into autism and mental health.
Challenging OCD in young people who are autistic: CBT manual for therapists
For professionals treating young people with OCD who are autistic, this book from the national specialist OCD Service at the Maudsley Hospital provides a complete guide for treatment.
Real life experiences.
Here you will find real life stories shared by people who are neurodivergent with lived experience of OCD.
Megan shares her experiences of her autism diagnosis and how this helped her to understand her lived experience of OCD more clearly
Sara shares her experiences of what it was like growing up autistic, and how these experiences made her vulnerable to developing OCD
Sign posting.
If you have any questions about neurodivergence, we recommend reaching out to charities and organisations who specialise in this area. The list of organisations and charities below are dedicated to supporting and guiding neurodivergent individuals, as well as campaigning and researching.
National Autistic Society
A charity dedicated to helping autistic people in the UK and their families.
Autistica
The UK’s leading Autism research and campaigning charity.
Autistic Girls Network
A small registered charity working to support, educate, and bring change. Helpful for both young people and adults.
PDA Society
Their mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families.
Neurodivergent insights
Dr. Neff creates mental health and wellness resources with the neurodivergent person in mind.
ADHD UK
ADHD UK has been created by people with ADHD for people with ADHD.
