Incorporating Considerations for Neurodivergence in the Context of Pediatric OCD Treatment

This review highlights the need for more treatment modifications considering the comorbidity of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This will shed light on developing modifications that will make treatment more effective for individuals with both diagnoses and also for providers.

While findings have indicated high comorbidity rates of these diagnoses, they also present few case studies on these topics and underscore the need for widespread modifications in treating these diagnoses.

This article presents a review of the treatment of the comorbidity of OCD and ASD or ADHD and highlights a necessary component of OCD work, both in research and clinical arenas. Not only will this lead to greater treatment gains for patients and families, but making the recommended modifications will also empower and help clinicians deliver the most beneficial treatments for individuals with comorbid OCD and neurodevelopmental diagnoses.