Module 9 – Autism and OCD

Welcome to the NCAMH course on Autism and OCD

• This two-day online training course introduces you to a “Model of understanding how OCD may be experienced and expressed amongst autistic people.” This course is also Module 9 in the BPS Approved Certificate and Diploma in Autism and Mental Health.
• This course ensures you have the knowledge, skills and tools to spot the signs of OCD amongst autistic people and provide access to early support.

There are six lessons in this module including lessons on:

• Understanding OCD and its presentation
• Autism and OCD, rates, prevalence and associated risks
• Autistic Voices: Spotting the signs of OCD (with reference to the latest participatory research)
• Evidence Based Approaches to supporting autistic people with co-occurring OCD (drawing on the latest research and available resources)
• Resources and Skills:  Two lessons focused on introducing you to a range of psychoeducation, family based and client facing resource packs, strategies and worksheets adjusted for supporting autistic people who experience co-occurring OCD.

We introduce you to tools, resources, strategies and good practice tips across this module and particularly in Lessons 5 and 6 where we share 17 worksheets adjusted for supporting autistic people and their families living with co-occurring OCD . 

At a time when access to treatment for severe OCD can be so difficult for autistic people and their families these resources provide much needed early support, psychoeducation and guidance.  There is also a workbook for you as practitioners, increasing your own awareness – you can use this same resource with families who are often on the frontline supporting their loved one’s at home or in the community.

All the resources are focused on increasing self-awareness alongside introducing strategies for promoting safety, self-advocacy,  co-regulation, self-soothing, autonomy and self-agency.

We are joined in this module by Jim, a young autistic man who talks to us about how he experiences OCD and the impact it has had on his life.  In lesson 4, Stuart Ralph, the creator of OCD stories and co-founder of the integrative centre for OCD shares his insights into adjusted treatment approaches.  In lesson 5, Chris, the dad of a young autistic man with severe OCD talks about the impacts the condition has had on the young mans’ life, their experiences of seeking support and the wider impact on family life.  He also provides useful tips for practitioners when supporting autistic people and their families.

There are six lessons in this course with a mixture of tutor-led sessions, podcasts, additional video clips, articles, worksheets/exercises, review of resources and completion of reflective practice worksheets.

You will be able to access the course handouts, workbooks and reflective practice worksheets from the welcome and introduction page.  You can access any worksheets, tools and resources from within the Lesson on the learning management platform.

I wish you well with the course.

Warmest wishes,

Jenny Phaure

Clinical Director

MA (Child and Ad Psych, UKCP), MSc

National Centre for Autism and Mental Health

www.ncamh.co.uk

Phone: 07545 190915