What is RSD?

Rejection Sensitivity Disorder ("RSD") can be challenging for children and parents alike

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria ("RSD") is a term that’s gaining increasing recognition among parents and professionals as a core feature of the presentation of many neurodivergent children, especially autistic children and/or those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ("ADHD"). Whilst not formally diagnosed, RSD is generally agreed to describe an intense emotional response to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. For children with RSD, even minor slights can feel devastating, leading to emotional outbursts, withdrawal and/or anxiety.

Signs that your child or young person may experience RSD include:

• Feelings of intense emotional pain from real or perceived rejection or criticism.

• Reacting with anger, sadness, or hopelessness, even when the rejection is objectively minor and/or imagined

• Avoiding social situations or challenges due to fear of failure

• Perfectionism and low self-esteem

  
  

RSD is especially common in children with ADHD, who research suggests receive significantly more negative feedback than their peers—up to 20,000 more messages by age 12. This constant criticism can erode self-esteem and heighten sensitivity to rejection. It is also compounded by the difficulty that mean have in explaining their feelings due to feelings of emotional overwhelm.

Supporting a child with RSD involves a combination of empathy, structure, and emotional coaching. In the first place, try to avoid dismissing or minimising your child's concerns. Instead, acknowledge the validity of their emotions and help them to reframe the situation. In a similar vein, when giving feedback choose your words carefully, focusing on strengths and being specific about things you would like them to work on. For some, but by no means all, children a “toolkit” of strategies they can use when overwhelmed — such as deep breathing and journaling - can be helpful way for them to work through their emotional responses.

If your child or young person, requires additional support to access and/or engage in learning, SEND Advocacy can provide expert advice and support to help secure the education your child or young person needs and is entitled to. Contact us today.