Managing Rejection Sensitivity (RSD) in ADHD and Autism: 3 AuDHD Strategies

Does a minor shift in someone's tone or an unread message feel like a physical blow to your chest? For those of us with ADHD and Autism (AuDHD), what looks like "being sensitive" is often an RSD Aftershock—a neurodivergent nervous system caught in a loop of executive dysfunction and perceived threat.

In this episode of AuDHD Bites, we explore why rejection doesn't just sting — it lingers. We dive into the clash between the ADHD drive for connection (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) and the Autistic need for social clarity (Social Uncertainty Sensitivity). Learn why your brain triggers an "emotional hangover" and how to use nervous system regulation to stop the spiral of rumination. We share three practical strategies to help you reregulate your system and find safety when the world feels loud and judgmental.

Use these timestamps to help you navigate the sting of rejection:

00:00 Welcome to AuDHD Bites: The RSD Aftershock Struggle
00:24 Why it Hits Harder: The Neurodivergent Physical Response
00:28 The ADHD Side: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
00:35 The Autistic Side: The Void of Social Uncertainty
00:43 The Emotional Hangover: Why the Pain Lingers
01:03 Reframe: Sensitivity is Passion, Not a Flaw
01:27 Strategy 1: Naming the Shift (Labelling the Threat)
01:42 Strategy 2: Grounding in Evidence vs. Emotion
01:50 Strategy 3: Regulating the System Before the Story
02:02 You Are Worth More Than the Opinions of Others
02:22 Join the Community: How do you handle the RSD echo?


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DISCLAIMER: The content on this channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard online or on social media. Take care, humans 🖤