5 Online Resources for Parents of Children with OCD

Check Out These Online Resources for Parents of Kids With OCD

Child Mind Institute
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Beyond OCD
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Worry Wise Kids

When a child receives a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), families may want to know about these five online resources for parents of children with OCD. The diagnosis might seem overwhelming and scary at first, and using one or more of these resources can help families understand more about the condition and how it affects the child and the family dynamic. Referring to one or more of these resources and the child’s healthcare team can help with the family dynamic.

Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute’s website explains what OCD is and how it affects each facet of a child’s life and the family dynamic. It includes explanations of what OCD is, its symptoms and treatment options. Their site also offers tips on working with the child’s school. A Spanish version of the site is available.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

On their website, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers introductory and in-dept information about OCD in children. Their site includes a resource guide for finding a local psychiatrist who treats children with OCD. One section of their site is devoted to resources for youth to use so that they can learn more about their condition. A child who has an understanding of their condition may be better able to communicate with their parents and healthcare providers about their symptoms and treatment efficacy. There is also a family resource section, and it includes articles and links for helping siblings and other family members understand more about the child who is affected by OCD.

Beyond OCD

When a child receives a diagnosis of OCD, it could be difficult for a parent, caregiver, sibling or educator to look past the diagnosis and see the child for the whole person they are. Beyond OCD is an online resource that offers a full spectrum of information about OCD in children. It begins with the symptoms of OCD and includes the diagnosis process and treatment options. Beyond OCD offers fact sheets and videos about OCD. The information is divided into OCD in young children, school-age kids, teens and young adults.

University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences

According to the University of Pittsburgh, their website offers a list of comprehensive local resources as well as information centers about OCD in children. Their website includes opportunities for children with OCD to participate in research studies for new treatment options. It also includes resources to help children with OCD at school. They list legal resources that could help a family if their child is discriminated against because of their condition.

Worry Wise Kids

Worry Wise Kids is a website for families of children with OCD and anxiety disorders. It offers information about children’s mental health, symptoms, the diagnosis problems and treatment options for different sub-types of OCD and the spectrum of anxiety disorders. Many children have co-morbid conditions, such as OCD and panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. The information on this site gives parents a glimpse at what OCD, anxiety and other conditions look like throughout the different developmental stages of childhood.

These online resources are accessible at any time, so when a parent has a question or some spare time to learn more, they can visit one of these websites or online documents. These resources should augment the personalized service provided by a child’s therapist, counselor, pediatrician and other members of their healthcare and education teams. Knowing about these five online resources for parents of children with OCD could help relieve some of the stress felt by the child’s immediate family.