Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in Kids With ADHD

As an adult with ADHD, Aniesa struggles with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). In this week’s episode, she explains the symptoms and causes of RSD and how identifying it in young children will help them cope later.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• In a nutshell, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is the fear of being rejected.
• The fear of rejection activates the same parts of the brain as physical pain.
• ADHD complicates the fear of rejection as it alters brain chemistry.
• Because of this, those with ADHD find it harder to process rejection.
• Teasing or being picked last for a team can trigger RSD in children with ADHD.
• Children will often act in one of two ways to deal with RSD. They will work extra hard to please people or avoid them altogether.
• RSD is hard to identify, especially in younger children who struggle to explain their feelings.
• Remember, "connection is everything".

BEST MOMENTS 

“As humans, we are social beings, we live in little groups, little packs, little tribes, and we generally are hard-wired to fit in, to belong. And we stick together in groups because that’s what makes us stronger. And, because of that, the thought of being rejected, of being outcast, is very scary.”

“They can either cope with the trauma of the RSD one of two ways: they can try extra hard to please people and not get rejected, or completely start avoiding those anxiety-provoking situations.”

CONTACT METHOD
www.instagram.com/aniesabblore/          
www.instagram.com/sensationalkidstherapyuk/   
www.facebook.com/sensationalkidslondon

ABOUT THE HOST

Aniesa completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She has since been focusing on paediatrics and sensory processing and integration. She has worked across a range of paediatric fields and has extensive experience in autism, specific learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and emotional regulation. 

Aniesa has one teenage son with autism, and one with sensory difficulties. She herself was diagnosed at a late age as having ADHD and has found that understanding her neurodivergence has led to a greater connection with children and their parents. 

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