Does anyone know how you could tell if your child was a germaphobic? (not sure if that is a medical term or not but not sure how else to explain it)
My step son constantly washes his hands, will not open doors with his hands, will not pick up toys with his hands, he freaks out if someone doesn't wash their hands to his liking, gets mad if our younger children touch his stuff if they have not washed their hands, hates our dog--he will not touch her for anything and gets really mad if she touches him --he says its b/c she has poop on her--she does not she is a very clean dog. My house is clean as much as it can be with 4 children. He will even put his coat/shirt over his hands so he doesn't have to touch something. He will nto hold the cart handles in the stores nor will he push a stroller by
touching the handle. Is this something my Dh and I should be concerned about or not?
He is 10 years old and he has always been a neat kid LOL He never liked getting dirty as a child. I don't think its a phase since its been going on for awhile (I have mentioned it to DH but since I am not the parent I can only do so much and his mom said she doesn't notice (she doesn't pay any attention to him)
Inmy30'salraedy I have been observing him and he does go out of his way not to touch things. He shuts all doors in the house with his feet, he gets mad if we tell him not to use his feet but his hands, he picks up toys by using other toys and not his hands. To watch him with our dog is horrible. He is sooo afraid of touching her and says her leash is gross (its not its a normal leash-not dirty either) He will only use certain towels when he showers (i only know this b/c he digs through them and then they are all messed up in teh closet). He will not wipe his hands on used towels hanging in the kitchen.
I agree with what the others have said; but until you get him in to see the doctor you should see if he'll try wearing a pair of thin gloves as a barrier against any germs, that way he could use his hands.
sounds like he is acting this way because of anxiety, an emotional state that needs treatment/intervention. Start with talking to his pediatrician who will probably refer you to a child psychiatrist/psychologist.
Yes, you should be considered. His behavior is definitely extreme.
My neighbor has a granddaughter who was diagnosed with OCD as a preschooler. I don't remember the treatment but she was under a doctor's care.
I read your previous question about your 10yo step-son. I urge you to get him some mental health help. He's having a very difficult time accepting his situation, having a mom and a step-mom and family with her. He needs professional help!
How old is he? I guess it could be just a phase. Or it could be OCD/anxiety.
I agree with Marda P.
To me it sounds like this is something that needs to be brought to his pediatricians attention.
Does he really NOT EVER touch things with his hands.....or just the majority of the time? You should make a conscience effort to *really* observe him for a few days in a row...if he truly can not touch things with his bare hands and just plain out refuses to do so, or figures out ways to go around touching things (like by using his coat/shirt) then I think this will ABSOLUTELY have an impact on his day to day life as he gets older.
You need to get him to someone who can help him...not sure whether that is his pediatrician or a shrink but he needs a professional.
How old is he?
If anything, ask your Pediatrician.
Yup, like the other mom's have said, I would think this would fall more into the OCD category, but am also curious about his age. If he's 4 years old, well try to teach him about cleanliness, etc., whereas if he's 14 then yes, this sounds like it could become an issue that could have an impact on his day-to-day life.
Doesn't sound like a phase to me. It does sound like he has OCD. Talk to his pediatrician. It could surely take over his life, which it sounds like it has already. Imagine going throughout your day when all you think about is what he considers dirty or full of germs. It can't be a happy time for him & I'm speaking from experience. Please talk to him first, find out whats on his mind. Let him know you'd like to get him some help dealing with these issues. He will be hopefully a much happier child!
Good luck & keep us posted!
It sounds like he has OCD and would benefit from therapy - not just for the OCD, but for other issues/changes going on in his life. My 9 yo dd was dx with OCD when she was a preschooler. She did a lot of the same things your son is doing, and it was heartbreaking. She does wonderful now and only has a few issues. She is in control and does great. It was at the point where it was negatively effecting her life, which is where it sounds like with your step son. I would talk to his doc and ask for a referral. It will help and is better the sooner you start. You sound concerned and obviously care for him and want what it best. Good luck and update us!
S. mom of 3
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