Is it an OCD or just a phase?

Question

I have a key child at pre-school, shes 3 and attends 9hrs over 3 days. I've only been there 2mnths shes been there since Christmas. When i started, while playing she would either lay flat on the floor face down or kneel with just her face on the floor. I put this down to anxiety, her way of feeling safer, she no longer does it. This past week she has started constantly l*****g her fingers and palm even when they have been washed. i'm wondering is it a phase, another anxiety thing or signs of OCD?

Answer 1

I think she's a bit young for OCD but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get out of hand... once OCD is there it's hard to get rid of.

Good luck

Answer 2

Hi

I'd carryout some observationson this child, is their something triggering this child to behave in this way, try to get the whole picture of whats happening before jumping to any conclusions. This could be just  her way of dealing with anxiety ? Good luck anyway I know its hard I work with children too.

Answer 3

Usually there is a reason behind every behavior and my thought is that it probably is anxiety...as you thought previously.  I would definately be documenting this and having a discussion with the family to come up with a "plan of action".  l*****g her fingers and palm is a behavior that can  not go on in a preschool...health reasons.  Maybe she needs some sensory "input"...AFTER washing her hands again, get her involved with playdough or something similar...a water table etc.  I really can't give any concrete suggestions because I need to be there to observe myself but pay attention to when she is doing this...is there anything "triggering" the behavior?  Is it at group time...is it during free play?  At group time give her a balloon with flour in it or something similar to squeeze...if it's a free play...maybe there is just too much going on for her and she needs to be taught how to "calm herself" such as finding a comforting activity or going to the library or getting permission to step out of the room with an adult for some peace.  Some children can NOT handle the "chaos" of free play.  Definately document time, behavior every day, comments about what was happening before and see if there is a pattern.

Answer 4

Here is what i would do:

1) Make some observations-about three at differnet times of the day

2) take these to your SENCO and ask if you could arrange a meeting with the parents

3) Speak to parents and see what they say-then ask permission to contact your SENCO advisor (I'm asuming you're in england) and go from there.

This way you are not expected to deal with this by yourself and you are not playing psychologist and risking getting yourself in trouble for 'misdiagnosis'.

It could be a range of things from simply a 'habit' to a behaviorual issue and from a psychological disorder to a physical problem so I would start getting your 'evidence' sorted now.

Answer 5

I work with toddlers and I assure you it's a phase! LOTS of kids do this. Don't worry - it's not anything serious and it'll pass soon enough.

Answer 6

this sounds like obsesive compulsive desorder but i didnt think young children could get it....? maybe advice the parent if your not her parent to seek pofessional help i take it the parent has been told about her childs behaviour?

Answer 7

Contact a child psychologist if these little things keep adding up. In the meantime watch for other signs of anxiety. The hand l*****g is a way of involving her sense of taste and smell. She may be trying to calm herself. Or she could be trying to stimulate these senses.because she needs more to do.My first thought is anxiety .

Answer 8

Autism?

Answer 9

Keep in mind that it is possible that it could be just a phase.  It is not our place to "diagnose" children.  It could be that she is fascinated with cats right now.  If she has siblings, she may be seeking a way to garner more attention from her family and caregivers.  

Have you spoken with her parents about the situation to see if they are concerned?  Whether you have or not, you may want to ask them if she displays any unusual behaviors at home, and if so, how they handle it.

The fact that it doesn't seem that you gave her previous phase an excessive amount of concern probably gave her a boost in her sense of security and her self-esteem - just by treating her like every other child in the classroom.  

Demonstrating respect for each child and clearly not favoring one above the others by devoting more time and attention to any one child in particular goes a long way in creating a secure and positive environment for the children in your classroom.

I hope a different point of view is helpful for you.