180. Why OCD Treatment Doesn’t Always Feel Right: Understanding the Overlap with Autism

Is it OCD… or autism? And how do you actually treat both?

In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Jenna Stone, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of SideQuest Psychotherapy. Together, they explore the complex overlap between OCD and autism, and how proper evaluation and therapy can change everything.

Jenna opens up about: • Her personal journey with OCD and lived experience in the mental health field • How autism and OCD can overlap—and why they’re often misunderstood • The differences between OCD rumination and autistic processing • How therapy needs to adapt when working with neurodivergent clients

If you’ve ever questioned whether symptoms are OCD, autism, or both—this episode will give you clarity, direction, and a more compassionate understanding of your experience.

Whether you’re navigating OCD yourself or supporting someone, this episode offers practical insight, validation, and hope for a more personalized path to recovery.

📲 About Jenna Stone (guest): • Clinical Director at SideQuest psychotherapy, lcsw-c • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidequestwithjenna/ • Substack: https://substack.com/@jennastone • SideQuest psychotherapy: https://www.sidequestpsychotherapy.com/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidequestwithjenna

✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – Is It OCD… or Autism? (Why This Topic Matters)[00:45] – What Got You Into This Work? (Jenna’s Personal Story)[02:42] – What Does an Autism + OCD Evaluation Actually Look Like?[04:32] – What Do You Mean by “Nervous System”? (Explained Simply)[06:02] – Can ERP Work for Autism + OCD? (Or Is It Different?)[08:22] – OCD Rumination vs Autistic Thinking (Key Difference)[10:32] – Why Do Autistic People Overthink Social Situations?[13:02] – Is This OCD… or Just How the Brain Works?[15:02] – What If Someone Can’t Communicate What They Feel?[17:32] – How Should Parents Handle OCD Behaviors in Kids?[20:32] – Are You Helping… or Making OCD Worse? (Hard Truth)[22:32] – Which Therapy Works Best: ERP, ICBT, or ACT?[25:02] – Why Therapy Takes Longer for Neurodivergent Clients[27:02] – How Do You Actually Build Trust With These Clients?[29:02] – What Does GOOD Therapy Look Like for OCD + Autism?[30:32] – Final Takeaway: What People Still Get Wrong

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✅ About OCD Whisperer Welcome to OCD Whisperer! Each episode shares tools and insights for OCD recovery, managing intrusive thoughts, ERP therapy, CBT techniques, anxiety relief, and mindfulness practices. Join me for expert interviews and personal insights into overcoming OCD. Subscribe to find support, strategies, and hope for your OCD journey.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note while the host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

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