No, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not a form of autism. They are two separate conditions, but they can sometimes look similar because of overlapping behaviors.
OCD is an anxiety disorder where a person experiences unwanted, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and feels the need to perform certain actions (compulsions) to relieve that anxiety. For example, someone with OCD may wash their hands repeatedly because they fear germs.
Autism, on the other hand, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. Repetitive actions in autism, such as hand-flapping, lining up toys, or following strict routines, are usually comforting or enjoyable, not driven by fear or anxiety like in OCD.
Although they are different, it’s possible for someone to have both autism and OCD. In these cases, professional evaluation is important to ensure the right support and treatment are provided.
At Steady Strides ABA, we provide individualized ABA therapy across Texas to help children with autism build communication, independence, and coping skills while working closely with families to address overlapping challenges.
Contact us today to learn how our ABA therapy services can support your child’s unique needs.
SOURCES:
https://iocdf.org/autism/ocd-and-autism/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11497754/
https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-06340-8
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/ocd-vs-autism/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178122001123
