How are autism and OCD connected? And why can it be so difficult to tell the difference between the two?
In Part 2 of Figuring It Out, Dr Alex George and research scientist Dr Kathryn Bates answer two listener questions about the overlap between autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and how to accept yourself when the people around you don't always understand you.
They explore why autism and OCD often occur together, how certain behaviours can look similar but have very different motivations, and why OCD can sometimes be harder to recognise in autistic people.
They also tackle a deeply personal question about self-acceptance, exploring how stigma can affect the way we see ourselves, the importance of self-compassion, and why finding people who understand your experiences can make such a difference.
You can find more information through the International OCD Foundation (https://iocdf.org/), Mind (www.mind.org.uk) and the National Autistic Society (https://www.autism.org.uk/).
No lectures. No easy answers. Just two people trying their best to figure it out.
We're not here to give medical advice, we're just two friends exploring the science and figuring out life together. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.
Each episode arrives in three parts from Monday to Wednesday. Part One tackles the Big Question. Part Two answers a real dilemma sent in by a listener. Part Three puts the most common claims to the test in Myth, Fact and It's Complicated.
Produced by Kathryn Bates
Have a question or dilemma you'd like us to tackle in a future episode? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@figuringitoutpod.com.
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