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If you’re starting to notice signs of OCD in children, also known as paediatric OCD, it can feel confusing and upsetting. Some rituals are part of normal development, so it is not always easy to tell when something has become a problem. In my work as a UK child clinical psychologist specialising in obsessive-compulsive disorder,…
As a parent, you might notice your child engaging in repetitive behaviours, saying certain phrases over and over, washing their hands more than they need to, or checking things too many times. These repetitive behaviours might seem endearing or concerning depending on how often they happen and how much they impact your child’s daily life….
Perhaps your child has an autism diagnosis and you wonder if they also have OCD? Or maybe your child has developed obsessive behaviours and rituals and you want to understand what this could be? In this article I will help you untangle the information! Autism vs OCD: Key Differences Autism has features which overlap with…
I’m a clinical psychologist and I use cognitive behavioural therapy – combined with other therapeutic approaches – in my work with children, teens, and parents. In this guide, I will share clear, practical ways to handle intrusive thoughts and unwanted thoughts. I also include a simple worksheet you can use straight away. If you’re dealing…
Finding the right support for your child’s mental health can feel confusing for parents and carers. You might be searching for a child therapist near me, but you keep seeing terms like child psychologist, counsellor, psychotherapist, and CBT therapist. They can sound similar, yet their training and roles can be quite different. This guide explains…
Have you noticed symptoms in your teen that you suspect to be ADHD? Perhaps they seem particularly hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive compared to their peers? This article will help you to understand more about ADHD symptoms in teens, along with treatment options and strategies. I also explore other reasons your teen might be displaying ADHD…
“But we’ve already watched the solar system documentary three times today…” Many parents of autistic children notice their child’s intense focus, deep knowledge of specific topics, and strong desire to return to the same interest repeatedly. Intense interests, sometimes called obsessions or hyperfixations, are common in autism. These special interests, whether it’s memorizing train schedules,…
Autism* runs in families. In my family it runs very strongly, and so does anxiety. When I first qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2005 and got a job in an NHS CAMHS team, I was asked to run the autism service supporting families of newly diagnosed children. I must admit, I wasn’t very pleased….
In this article I will help you understand what anxiety symptoms in children look like, so you can work out if your child is experiencing anxiety. I will give you tips on how to help a child with anxiety and how to seek further help if needed. Since I left the National Health Service in…
Navigating the teenage years can be challenging, and if your teenager is dealing with sensory differences in everyday life, it can feel even more overwhelming. Coping with these challenges requires teens – and the adults around them – to understand their unique sensory needs and find helpful strategies and adaptations in their day-to-day life. By…
The cognitive pattern of black and white thinking is a very common trait of autistic people. It’s tendency to view situations, emotions, and ideas in absolutes or extremes. For example, as a child psychologist I often work with children who will provide me with a list of people they “hate” and a list of people…
Clutter and disorganisation can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for teens with an ADHD diagnosis. The inability to focus coupled with the physical chaos of a cluttered space can exacerbate their symptoms, leading to increased stress and decreased productivity. By understanding the unique challenges faced by teens with ADHD, parents…
In this article I want to normalise stimming and of course autism stim toys. In fact, stimming is something we all do to regulate ourselves. Have you ever found yourself tapping your foot in boredom or frustration? It’s just that autistic people are more likely to stim than neurotypical people, because they tend to have…
It is completely normal to feel anxious from time to time. Humans are wired to be alert and it’s part of our response to fear or panic, threat or feeling stressed or under pressure. Many people respond to anxiety in positive ways. Anxiety can: However, when anxiety is starting to affect your quality of life,…
Hoarding behaviours in autistic children may seem perplexing to those who haven’t encountered them before. They go beyond a typical messy room, for example. There is usually high anxiety underlying compulsive hoarding. For some autistic children, hoarding behaviours offer a sense of comfort and stability amidst an often chaotic sensory environment. Children often experience relief…
As a child psychologist and carer for an autistic family member, I understand how important sleep is for your autistic teenager’s wellbeing. Adequate sleep is the cornerstone of mental health. Your autistic teenager not sleeping can directly lead to a range of physical health conditions and emotional and behavioral problems. Unfortunately, sleep problems are common…
