Child with repetitive motion issues and tantrums

[JennT1976]

My 10 year old has had a problem with repetitive motion, repeating movements over and over.  This has not always been a problem just a little quirk, but recently that has gotten worse and she won't wear clothes if they don't "fit right".  then in the last two days she has had screaming and crying fits that will last a long time.  This morning she even starting saying "oh crap" over and over again.  She said she couldn't stop crying and screaming, but that she wanted to.
After much pleading and my mother coming over and trying to console and do repetitive motions for her. ( stand by the door, come here, go there) she finally got herself calm.
Then she tried to get dressed and her under wear didn't fit right and she stood around naked for 30 minutes or so.  She finally found some that worked then she couldn't find clothes that worked.  After a long time we managed to get her dressed.
I'm so scared, I don't know what to do.  Is there anyone out there who has had issues like this or know what I should do?
Right now she's acting "normal" although that's not really normal she still has all her repetitions.
I've tried asking her when she's calm what she felt like but all I get is "I don't know".  She does seem to want to know what's wrong with herself too.  I guess that's a good sign.

[liziniohio]

My son also has P.A.N.D.A.S and was diagnosed over a year ago, it has been a long road with very slow results. we are still trying new things to help him.

[JennT1976]

Thank you for your responses.  She has been diagnosed with OCD and she has a Strep infection which can make her OCD symptoms really bad.  See P.A.N.D.A.S.  She is being treated and I hope that we will see some relief soon.

[specialmom]

I agree with Rock rose.  I will say that my son will also do ritual type things but does not have obsessive compulsive disorder-----------  he has sensory integration disorder.  He is feeling out of control and trying to control things to soothe himself.  It usually occurs when he is very upset or nervous.  I'd let her do what she needs to do and see if it calms her and if it becomes less fequent.  If it does not, I'd call your doctor and ask for a referrel to a child psychiatrist.  It is treatable for sure-------- but you want a professional to help.

Sensory issues can be so troublesome for kids.  Things that I can not figure out why will bother my son to distraction.  It is important to know that the discomfort is real.  An occupational therapist treats for sensory integration disorder and with tactile defensiveness (part of the sensory system and why clothes may bother her)------ they can start a "brushing" system that works really well.  It is using this brush over the skin and joint compressions and takes about 2 minutes 4 or 5 times a day.  Within 6 weeks, my son was much better.  Also a lot of "heavy work" or physical activity helps regulate an overactive nervous system.  But an occupational therapist would be very valuable in helping out your daughter.  

By the way, does she have any issues in school?  How are her social skills------- any peer problems?  

I wish you the best of luck and hope you can resolve things so she is more comfortable.  

[RockRose]

Yes, Jenn,  it is a "good sign" that she wants to know why she's having such a difficult time.  

She sounds like she is brushed with both "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" and "Sensory Defensiveness".  

Please google both of those terms.  There is clothing made to help her out - without tags or itchy parts that most kids willingly put up with - that would make dressing her easier.

Bless you,  and bless her.  This is very difficult.