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Question 16: Hi. You were just in town talking to the kids at [my son's] school.My son has o.c.d. and he is 12 yrs. old. I did not realise that o.c.d. was a part of tics....I have been trying to tell the taechers about [my son's behavioural problems] but it does not work. They think I'm lying.Igot the doctor to sign a note saying he has it but it does not help.He is getting into trouble for things he can not help.I would like to know how to deal with the teachers?My son was very impressed with you and really enjoyed listening to you. His friend at the school has tics and him and her talk all the time about there problems, but when you came to the school and spoke on this he has not stopped talking about it.Thanks for coming to the school and talking to the kids.BYE. M.M., ON, Canada.

Hi M.M.

About OCD being a part of tics, it depends.............if you have OCD then rarely do you also have tics (Tourette Syndrome). However if you have Tourette Syndrome then very often you also have OCD (as high as 67% according to data from the Tourette syndrome International Consortium, or TIC).

Regarding dealing with teachers, parents unfortunately often have little credibility with the school, even when you are saying exactly the same thing a professional would.............it is because you are perceived as having a biased interest in getting them to believe what you are telling them. You may be better off to get your doctor, or someone from an OCD group, to come and do a similar presentation in the school and advocate on your behalf. I have many resources for OCD on my site at www.lifesatwitch.com/OCD.html that could get you started -- also there are some good books on OCD that can be found through my book resources at www.lifesatwitch.com/Books.html

I'm glad your son enjoyed my chat with the kids -- I know I sure did! In hindsight I wish I had spent more time talking about getting stuck on the same thought over and over because my impression of his friend is that she has similar difficulties too.

I hope this helps M.M. -- best of luck in getting some support for your son!
cheers,
Dr. Dunc.

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