OCD, ADHD, and Autism are often described as “neurobiological cousins.” These conditions share overlapping challenges and unique differences, revealing the complexity of the human mind. Understanding these overlaps helps us appreciate each person’s unique struggles and strengths.
🧠 Common Struggles
- Executive functioning difficulties
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory sensitivities
- Repetitive behaviors
💡 Key Differences
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder):
- Driven by intrusive thoughts and repetitive compulsions for anxiety relief.
Autism:
- Characterised by routines, sensory sensitivities, and unique ways of connecting to the world.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):
- Seeks novelty but struggles with focus and impulsivity.
✅ OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
- Obsessions: Persistent unwanted thoughts, urges, images
- Compulsions: Repetitive behaviours to reduce anxiety
- Hyper-responsibility
- Perfectionism
✅ ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Craves novelty
Hyperactivity & impulsivity
Attention regulation challenges
