Autism & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder — Dr. C's Morning Minute
The relationship between autism and OCD is clinically complex, as the two conditions can co-occur, and their overlapping features make accurate diagnosis challenging. Repetitive behaviors, rigid routines, and resistance to change appear in both, but serve different psychological functions. In autism, these behaviors are typically self-regulating and ego-syntonic; in OCD, compulsions are driven by anxiety and experienced as intrusive and unwanted. When both conditions are present simultaneously, treatment must address each with appropriate strategies, CBT-based OCD protocols and ABA-based autism interventions have different targets and require integration by experienced clinicians. Autism Centers of Pittsburgh has the clinical depth to navigate complex, co-occurring presentations. Contact us to learn more about our evaluation and treatment approach.