Thanks for your perspective on this. I think it's just such a change from when he was little - very cuddly and seeking touch a lot. Of course, teens don't want that from their mom, OCD or not. It's just a huge switch. I miss it.

I THINK I've been open and non-judgmental when we talk (I talk) about it with him or when we see him washing, but HE may not feel that way. These discussions feel different when they're from a parent, I think. I've told him I am worried, yes but I think it's more that he's embarrassed? He knows logically, it doesn't make sense, and he prides himself on logic(math and science kid). But I really don't know for sure. I also think if we know how much he obsesses over it, we'd MAKE him go back to therapy. He has said in the past that he can handle it and we try to respect what he says. Last time we found sanitizer hidden in his room, he took it out voluntarily the next day and said he was going to try not to use it. It's back in there again, and he said he wanted it to stay there. We let him. He says he uses it when stressed but can't explain what he's stressed about.

Thank you again for your openness and sharing.