Dear OCD. We're Through.

This Monday, the nation will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who fought to end discrimination and bring greater understanding of commonalities among differences. It's been over 50 years since Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech in Washington, DC, and while the nation looks vastly different, there are still groups - including disability communities - fighting for change, respect, and recognition. While Dr. King's fight was a huge national one, his determination can be admired at many levels. Cade's battle is personal; he's done languishing in the the grasp of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but we have no doubt that Cade will fight just as fiercely for his freedom from its controlling ways.

The estimated prevalence of OCD in autistic individuals ranges from 8-30% depending on the study. Cade certainly isn't alone in his fight.

---

Dear OCD,

It’s been too many years. We need to end it. I’m over the way you control this relationship. It’s time. I want out.

No more zany water obsessions. I want to use a bathroom without flooding it.

No more goofy body needing to take off my clothes. Kind of pervy of you to insist on me being only in boxers.

No more blocking my true voice with your string of recorded demands. I want to go to other places than Chipotle, Nando’s.

No more assaulting my loving mom. Curse you for your role in that.

I’m not saying I’m blameless for my actions, but you are a toxic partner.

So, hit the road, OCD. Stay away. I’m getting a restraining order. Don’t come back. We’re through.

Deuces,

Cade

---

Cade is a seventeen-year-old autistic kid who found his voice on the letterboard.

editor's note: After finishing this blog post, Cade ate dinner somewhere other than Chipotle or Nando's. His OCD was not invited to join.