Tip of the Week: Understanding and Managing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)

Many individuals with ADHD and autism experience Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)—a heightened emotional response to perceived criticism, rejection, or failure. It can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, RSD can be managed effectively:

1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Encourage your daughter to pause and question whether the perceived rejection is real or if it’s an assumption. Journaling or talking it through with someone she trusts can help reframe the situation and reduce the emotional impact.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Remind her to treat herself kindly, even when things feel tough. Acknowledge her feelings as valid while focusing on positive affirmations to counter the negative emotions.

3. Set Healthy Coping Strategies: Activities like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or engaging in hobbies can help distract from emotional pain. Over time, these strategies can help build emotional resilience.

Remember: RSD isn’t a weakness—it’s part of how her brain processes emotions. Supporting her in understanding and managing these feelings can help her regain confidence and reduce emotional overwhelm.