Contamination & Washing
Excessive handwashing, fear of germs, avoiding 'dirty' objects or places.
My child washes their hands until they're raw
Your child washes their hands so frequently and intensely that their skin is cracked, red, and sometimes bleeding. They may wash for several minutes at a time, use scalding hot water, or go through soap at an alarming rate. You can see they're in pain, but they can't seem to stop.
They won't touch doorknobs, light switches, or public surfaces
Your child uses their sleeve, elbow, or asks you to open every door. They avoid light switches, stair railings, shopping carts, and anything in public that other people have touched. What used to be a small quirk is now making everyday activities slow and stressful.
They insist on changing clothes after being near someone 'contaminated'
Your child changes their clothes — sometimes multiple times a day — after being near someone they consider "dirty" or "contaminated." This might be after school, after a visitor leaves, or even after passing a stranger on the sidewalk. The laundry is overwhelming and the rules keep expanding.
They refuse to eat food others have touched or prepared
Your child won't eat meals you've cooked, snacks a sibling has touched, or food served at restaurants or friends' homes. They may insist on preparing their own food, eating only packaged items, or watching you wash your hands before cooking. Mealtimes have become a battleground.
They shower for over an hour and we can't get them to stop
Your child disappears into the bathroom for an hour or more each time they shower. You can hear the water running continuously. They may emerge with red, irritated skin, and they become extremely distressed if you try to set a time limit. The water bill is climbing and the rest of the family's routine is held hostage.
They ask me to wash my hands before I can touch them or their things
Your child insists that you (and possibly other family members) wash your hands before you can hug them, touch their belongings, enter their room, or hand them anything. If you forget or refuse, they become extremely distressed. You feel like a visitor in your own home following decontamination protocols.