47. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Through a Sensory Emotional Lens

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a common theme many families bring up: kids who need to be in control and have things “just so.” Parents often describe their child getting upset when daily routines aren’t followed exactly—like needing to get dressed in a specific order, wanting food served on certain plates, or insisting the bedtime routine goes the same way every single night.

We also hear stories about children needing things in a specific order or setup—whether it’s where they place their shoes, how their toys are arranged, or even how they play independently. This might look like building with blocks in a very particular pattern, repeating the same storyline in pretend play word-for-word, or only using the exact same props every time.

Parents often describe these behaviors as “perfectionism,” and it’s understandable why so many start to wonder about OCD, since these patterns can overlap with that diagnosis.

Tune in as we unpack the underlying sensory motor components to each of these behaviors and the tasks during which they occur — and how to support kids who feel the need for this level of control and consistency using the Sensory Emotional Engagement Model.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Ways to expand your understanding of OCD behavior patterns by considering the sensory motor underpinnings to our thoughts and behaviors 

• Highlighting stress as a driver of OCD behavior patterns and ways our sensory emotional kids experience stress due to the different ways they process sensation that lead to controlling, checking, ordering, washing/cleaning behaviors. 

• Understanding that OCD-like behaviors are at times secondary to a need to control the amount and type of sensation that is experienced for our Anxious yet Deeply Feeling kids and what to do about it

• Exploring how deep thinking can lead to getting “stuck in thought” and getting “stuck in repetitive actions” and lead to OCD-like behaviors for our Unaware yet Deep Thinkers and what do to about it 

• Recognizing the impact of pressure to get things right the first time has on OCD- tendencies for our Confused yet Full of Wonder and Scattered yet Intentional and Passionate kids. 

• Understanding why helping our Needy yet Compassionate kids feel strong and brave in their body can minimize OCD-like behaviors. 

• How to respond in a sensory emotional way to these behaviors that could be more effective than the responses you may have tried when considering the thought-based side of these behaviors 

  
  

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About

Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®

Founder & Director, Great Kids Place 

Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™

Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emoti