Understanding the Overlap between OCD, Autism, and Anxiety

Could be Lyme or Babesia.

OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is in Fact a Form of Anxiety Disorder

I might have ASD, my therapist told me to look into it. But my OCD is anxiety and fear rooted so I am diagnosed with that. But I think sometimes it does overlap because there are rituals that I do that aren't about fear but more about them being soothing to me

I'm actually in the same boat as you and would like to know more as well. I'm sorry I can't help with answers though.

I was diagnosed with OCD as a kid and rediagnosed with ASD more recently. Both have compulsions that can cause emotional anguish if not completed and hyperfixations that take a lot of mental energy. It's *why* the ritual and fixations occur for each that is the main difference. ASD rituals are self-soothing routines and the fixations we experience are special interests we typically enjoy. OCD rituals are anxiety driven and performed to mitigate the affect of an obsessive fear-based fixation. The comorbidity rate is pretty high between the two, so having both is a possibility. Feel free to message me if you want to talk about it more ☺️ Also, I am not an expert and this is based mostly on my personal experience and research, so if anyone sees this who knows better, please correct me if you feel inclined.