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My grandson is 3 1/2 and needs help

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2009

Question: My grandson is 3 1/2. When I put him in the car from daycare (this is the only time he does this), he has to do what he calls “his business”, which is to touch every light and the holds behind the car seats before he can sit in his seat. When he goes in the bathroom, he has to first always turn the light on, then flush the toilet and then turn the light off. If he does not get to do this in that order, he becomes very upset. At times when he seems upset, his arms go in all directions.

Virginia

Answer:  It sounds as though your grandson has a very significant group of rituals or compulsions (which he refers to as his business) around getting in the car and the bathroom.  I would be suspicious of OCD or at least be willing to try to have him eliminate these behaviors one by one, perhaps offering rewards for each elimination.  The problem with not eliminating these behaviors and compulsions is that they tend to grow and get bigger and more involved, and take up more and more of a person’s life.  It is possible to see these OCD behaviors in kids this young. Perhaps it would be a good idea to consult an OCD specialist in your area to get further help and guidance.