Welcome to the ABC's of OCD
Here you will meet author 9 year old Kathleen and her quirky BossBaxTM friends. This book provides a whimsical look at a child’s view of dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) challenges and maintaining a sense of humor and calm to cope with daily life.
Kathleen and her older sister Bridget, who also has OCD, share a bedroom. Although they have different compulsions, they talk with each other about how to work through their OCD problems. The life lesson Kathleen and Bridget have learned is that everyone has something they deal with each day and that “Life will be Ok!”. These sisters realize the importance of making the best of what life brings and wish to share those lessons with you.
Kate Dunn, Kathleen’s mother, shares with parents that OCD or any mental health challenge can be frustrating, but maintaining a sense of calm during the challenges of daily life helps keep things in perspective. It takes fortitude and courage for your journey, but love your child for who they are and will become. Make sure to count the blessings that each day brings.
It is important for Kathleen to tell her story that even though she has struggled with OCD that “Life will be Ok!”.
Vision and Mission of The ABC's of OCD
The mission and purpose of sharing this book are to provide a non-threatening method for families and children to understand and explain the OCD disorder in a new way. Many will learn that by taking one step at a time, one day at a time, it is possible to understand OCD in a new way.
In addition to making the book available to the community at large, The ABC’s of OCD may be used by medical professionals and made available through the OCD Foundation as a method of providing education to families coping with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
About OCD
An estimated 1% of children in the United States experience OCD, which is characterized by a pattern of rituals and obsessive thinking that generally lasts more than an hour each day and interferes with daily activities. OCD is more prevalent than many other childhood disorders or illnesses, but kids often keep the symptoms hidden from their families, friends, and teachers because they’re embarrassed by them.
Early Intervention goes a long way
OCD in kids is usually diagnosed between the ages of 7 and 12. Since these are the years when kids naturally feel concerned about fitting in with their friends, the discomfort and stress brought on by OCD can make them feel scared, out of control and alone. With OCD, the brain gets stuck on a particular thought or urge and just can’t let go. Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel out of your control. The child does not want to have these ideas. Children with OCD try to make their obsessions go away by performing compulsions. Compulsions are acts the person performs over and over again, often according to certain ‘rules’.
Kathleen’s favorite distraction from her OCD ‘habits’ are writing and art. Her mother directed her energies into writing a book and Kathleen has learned how to significantly ‘Boss Back’ her OCD thoughts. Kathleen created her ‘BossBaxTM’ friends in The ABC’s of OCD to enhance her alphabet story with more energy and fun!
‘The ABC’s of OCD’ book
Only $14.99 plus shipping.
Combined shippings prices:
1-3 books – $4.99
4-10 – $10.99
For orders of 11 or more, please contact us at kdunnadv@comcast.net
Reviews
“I LOVE IT! I can really relate to it. I like the way it’s illustrated, and the cute sense of humor in there really strikes a chord in me with my son. Anyone with an OCD child is going to read The ABC’s of OCD over and over again. Tell Kathleen I think she’s outstanding!” – Parent, K. H., Master Personal Fitness Trainer
“I was sincerely impressed by you. You have a strong sense of wisdom and intelligence for someone so young. Working around children the way we do in the bookstore you get a feel for the children you meet who have something extraordinarily great in them. You have that special spark that says you will be a success in life at what ever you choose to do.”. – Major Chain Bookstore Manager
“Humor, perseverance, and family support are qualities that Kathleen and her family brought with them to therapy. One step at a time Kathleen learned how to “Boss Back OCD” and understand Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a new way. May others learn from you, Kathleen. Thank you for sharing your experience through the “ABC’s”. – Dr. Miriam DeRiso, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist
“What a fantastic book! The Kids Manager also loved it. I definitely want to carry your book here.” – Joseph-Beth, Booksellers/Pittsburgh
“Throughout my years in private practice, I have always believed that the greatest source of wisdom comes from the people we serve. This is especially true of our youngest patients, who often see their life situations clearly, and without the filters of theory, statistics or diagnostic guidelines. The insight, humor and warmth of this book is an example of the best resources of the human spirit! Healing comes in many forms and Kathleen Dunn has captured the essence of a difficult disorder that has affected but not defeated her family. It is a tribute to the entire Dunn family that they have chosen to devote their creative energy to provide this beautiful book to educate others. To me “The ABC’s of OCD spell h-o-p-e!” – Mary M. Brand, Ph.D., Psychologist, Alliance Psychological Services, LLC
Sponsorship Requests
Reaching families coping with mental health challenges is the primary vision of The ABC’s of OCD. Sponsorship opportunities are very much welcomed to help offset the cost of printing, promotion and distribution. To learn how you can become involved with this project, please contact us at kdunnadv@comcast.net.