Repetitive Behaviours in Children: Ordinary Habit or OCD?
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.
I will talk you through the difference between repetitive behaviours and OCD in children, what to do, and how to get support.
What Are Repetitive Behaviours?
Repetitive behaviours are actions that children do over and over again. This might include things like hand-flapping, rocking, repeating words, or doing actions in a particular way. While these are often seen in autistic children, they can also appear in neurotypical (non-autistic) children. For example, toddlers might repeatedly play the same game or ask the same question to help them make sense of the world around them.
In autistic children, these behaviours can help them cope with sensory overload or express emotions. However, even neurotypical children sometimes develop these habits as a way to comfort themselves or deal with feelings like anxiety.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Child’s Repetitive Behaviours?
Not all repetitive behaviours are a cause for worry. Many children go through phases where they engage in repetitive actions, and these usually fade as they grow older. However, if the behaviour becomes too frequent, intense, or interferes with your child’s daily life, it could be a sign that something more serious is going on.
For example, if your child becomes very upset when their routine is disrupted or if they can’t stop washing their hands, it might be time to take a closer look. If these behaviours start affecting their ability to play, focus at school, or interact with others, it may be a good idea to consult a professional.
How to Spot OCD in Your Child
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves more than just repeating actions. Children with OCD experience obsessive thoughts—worries or fears they can’t get rid of. To ease these worries, they may feel the need to perform certain actions over and over again. These actions are called compulsions.
Some common OCD behaviours in children include:
- Hand-washing: Repeatedly washing hands, even when they’re already clean, because of fears of germs or contamination.
- Checking behaviours: Constantly checking that doors and windows are locked, or making sure things are in the “right” place.
- Order rituals: Feeling the need to do things in a specific order, like arranging things in a certain way before bed.
- Mental rituals: Repeating thoughts or phrases in their mind, or needing to “think good thoughts” to prevent something bad from happening.
- Verbal rituals: Saying a specific phrase or word a certain number of times to feel safe.
Unlike simple habits, OCD-related behaviours often feel like they must be done in a certain way, and your child might feel anxious or upset if they can’t complete the ritual. This is a key sign that something deeper might be going on.
When to Seek Help
If you notice your child’s repetitive behaviours are causing them distress or interfering with their day-to-day life, it’s important to seek help early. OCD can be more challenging to manage if it becomes ingrained in their routine, so the sooner you get support, the better.
Professional help, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is highly effective for managing OCD symptoms. A CBT Therapist and Clinical Psychologist are two of the professionals who can help your child with OCD behaviours. Start by speaking to your doctor, who can make a referral to local services.
If you feel unsure, it’s always better to ask for advice sooner rather than later, especially as your child may be placed on a waiting list. Seeking help is not a sign of failure but a step toward understanding and supporting your child.
TAKE THE QUIZ!
Supporting Your Child With Repetitive Behaviours
It’s important that you approach the situation in a way that’s empathetic and non-judgmental. When a child is struggling with repetitive behaviours and may have OCD, they may feel overwhelmed by their thoughts and rituals, and it’s important to take these feelings seriously.
Here are a few tips for supporting your child:
- Stay non-judgmental: Understand that your child’s behaviours are a response to anxiety or fear. Reacting with frustration or impatience can increase their distress and make the behaviours worse.
- Gently open up conversations: Encourage your child to talk about their worries and rituals, but do so gently. Let them know you’re there to listen without judgment. This can help them feel heard and understood, which is a big step in addressing OCD.
- Don’t collude with the behaviours: It may seem comforting to give in to your child’s requests, like checking the door repeatedly or allowing them to wash their hands over and over, but this actually reinforces the OCD behaviours. Over time, this can make the anxiety worse and harder to manage.
- Seek help early: If you’re noticing that the rituals or obsessions are getting in the way of your child’s daily life, don’t wait too long to seek professional support. Early intervention, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help your child learn strategies to manage their OCD and reduce the impact of their behaviours.
By providing support in these ways, you’ll help your child feel safe and understood as they navigate the challenges of managing obsessive-compulsive behaviours.
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Dr Lucy Russell is a UK clinical psychologist who works with children and families. Her work involves both therapeutic support and autism assessments. She is the Clinical Director of Everlief Child Psychology, and also worked in the National Health Service for many years.
In 2019 Lucy launched They Are The Future, a support website for parents of school-aged children. Through TATF Lucy is passionate about giving practical, manageable strategies to parents and children who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.
