Can you speak about the approach one should take to suggest that a child or student has OCD?
Posted on Thursday, August 07, 2008Question: How can a professional educator talk to parents about this delicate subject? Because of the stigma this is a touchy topic. I would appreciate hearing your suggestions.
Principal
Indianapolis, IN
Answer: The best thing for a student who is having continuing difficulties that may be OCD-related is to have a psychological evaluation. Because of differences in state laws, and school liability issues, school personnel should never directly tell parents their child has OCD or make a formal school recommendation to parents to get a medical evaluation for their child.
It may be helpful to suggest to parents that school personnel are familiar with other children who have exhibited symptoms similar to those exhibited by the child of concern. If parents ask for the school’s ideas for mental health providers, school personnel could provide names and contact information of therapists in the area who have experience treating children with OCD. Keep in mind that not all mental health professionals are familiar with how to diagnose and appropriately treat OCD in children and teens. A parent’s guide to OCD is available for download in the OCD Guides section of this web site.
Get more information on helping students with OCD! A special section for School Personnel – the “OCD Education Station” – will be added to this web site very soon to assist teachers, social workers, counselors and administrators in making a difference in the life of a student struggling with OCD.
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