If you notice your child is overly perfectionistic, that is to say they seem to be very intent on lining things up or on having certain things done in a certain way, this could indicate a problem.  Some children are so particular about eating and dressing that they exasperate their parents. 

Behavior Example

As an example, one mother had to fix their child's food in certain dishes, serve them in certain ways, and make sure the food on the plate did not touch.  Another child had to have all the tags cut out of their clothes and had to have only very soft fabrics in order to feel "just right". 

Diagnosis

What we have found over the years is that these and other seemingly odd needs and behaviors are often an early sign of a type of childhood onset Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  This disorder is highly genetic.  It runs in families and is much more common than has been previously believed.  It also tends to ride on the back of some lesser known disorders such as Asperger's Disorder, Tourette's syndrome, and others. 

Control Issue Myth

While for years the mental health community viewed many of these difficulties as a "control issue", maternal-child bonding difficulties, and so forth, modern science knows that these symptoms are the result of genetically altered chemicals in the brain that causes one part of the brain to work either too hard or not hard enough, resulting in the symptoms and misery that those with OCD endure.

Treatment

Too often individuals with behavioral disorders are treated by those that lack the expertise and experience to properly diagnose and treat behavioral disorders.  If you suspect that you or a loved one is affected by a behavioral disorder, contact a qualified behavioral healthcare professional.