Is it OCD… or Autism? Why the Difference Matters for Your Relationship (Ocd vs. Autism)
- hmotro
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
OCD vs Autism
Is it OCD or autism?
On the surface, they can look the same.
Repeating routines.
Fixating on details.
Needing things a certain way.
But the “why” behind those behaviors is totally different.
With OCD, the ritual is about shutting down scary, intrusive thoughts.
With autism, the ritual is about creating comfort, predictability, and balance.
Miss that difference, and the relationship takes a hit.
Because what looks like “helping” can actually backfire.
When partners accommodate OCD compulsions, symptoms often get worse.
But when partners support autistic routines, it often lowers stress and builds connection.
See the difference?
One needs gentle challenge.
The other needs respectful support.
That’s why it’s so important to sort out what’s what.
Studies show OCD shows up in autistic people anywhere from 10% to over 30%, depending on how you measure it.
So don’t assume—it’s more common than you think.
Here are your next steps:
Read our full article about how OCD and autism intersect.
Screen for OCD traits with the OCI-R (Obsessional Compulsive Inventory—Revised).
And if you’re wondering about autism itself, check out our Autism & Related Screeners.
Bring your results into therapy, and we’ll untangle what’s OCD, what’s autism, and how to handle both without getting stuck in the cycle.
Less confusion.
More clarity.
Better connection.
Harry Motro
Clinical Director, Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center
© 2025 New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of these statements may be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any form without explicit written permission from the New Path Family of Therapy Centers.
Specialties
Neurodiverse Couples
OCD and Autism
LGBTQIA+
Addiction
Parenting (Neurotypical & Neurodiverse)
Sex/Physical Intimacy
Emotional Intimacy
ADHD, Autism
Trauma-Informed
Internal Family Systems
Life Experience
Living with autism and ADHD, raising two kids, and married to a neurodiverse partner — I understand firsthand the beauty and challenges that come with neurodiverse relationships.
As a queer woman in recovery, I bring compassion and authenticity to my work, creating a safe space for clients to explore their own stories of healing and connection.
I combine evidence-based approaches with lived experience, helping couples and families turn differences into deeper understanding, resilience, and love.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #153124,
Supervised by Dr. Harry Motro, LMFT #53452
Want to learn more about yourself?
Explore our sister site, Adult Autism Assessment, and take a deeper dive into your journey of self-discovery. Click the links below to get started!
References
Aymerich, C. (2024). Prevalence and Correlates of the Concurrence of Autism and Other Disorders. PMC. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11048346/
Dell’Osso, L. (2025). Autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms: Prevalence in children. BMC Psychiatry. BioMed Central
Lamothe, H. (2022). Clinical characteristics of adults suffering from high-functioning ASD with OCD. Journal of Affective Disorders. ScienceDirect
Meta-analysis: prevalence of OCD in ASD youth: 11.6% (CI 6.9%–18.8%). PubMed
Conditions comorbid to autism – OCD comorbidity up to ~30%. Wikipedia. Wikipedia
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