Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Archives

Not Everything is a Lesson (Be Like Elsa: Let it Go)

March 5, 2024

A teachable moment is the time at which learning a specific idea is at its easiest. Unfortunately in pop psychology has twisted this to become something along the lines of “I can see the issue presenting itself, so let’s use this opportunity to turn it into a lesson.” And often that when the teachable moment appears, it must be addressed immediately. Sometimes this is fantastic, because it gives a tangible, applicable, relevant context. However there[…]

Happy Tail: The Magic of RRE

August 12, 2023

I’ve got a happy tailI’ve got a happy tailHappy tail, happy tailI’ve got a happy tail. – Tumpty, Tilly & Friends, CBeebies When it comes to neurodivergent children’s negative reflexive behaviours, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is frequently mentioned. It is the dysphoric emotional (and sometimes physiological) response to rejection, real or perceived. This can include perceived criticism, ostracism, teasing, insults, interruption, and almost any other slight. The response generally is understood to be out of[…]

Emotional Dysregulation

June 8, 2023

When it comes to emotional dysregulation, there are many ways to communicate with children about this. There are many methods for helping them regulate (including some suggestions below). We use numerous strategies to teach our kids to recognise their feelings, in order to process them more appropriately. An emotionally dysregulated child can be exhausting. They can be hurtful – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and they can ruin special events. An emotionally dysregulated child can[…]

Modelling or Coddling: Helping With Tasks

May 29, 2023

When your neurodivergent child insists they can’t do something you know they can do, or simply asks for help with a task you think they should be doing independently at their age, a decision needs to be made. Do you insist they do it, or do you help? If the latter, are you actually helping, or are you setting a dangerous precedent? Will they rely on you forever? Will they fail to learn the skills[…]