Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a term that describes the extreme emotional pain neurodivergent individuals, particularly those ADHDers and Autistic folks, may experience when they perceive rejection, criticism, or failure. For those who live with RSD, even minor interactions can feel deeply personal, triggering overwhelming feelings of shame, inadequacy, or sadness. This blog post explores why RSD feels so distressing, its impact on daily life, and practical strategies to manage it.

Many relationship expectations in our society are based on Neurotypical ways of thinking, communicating, and connecting. For Neurodivergent couples, where one or both partners are Autistic, have ADHD, or have other Neurodivergent traits, these norms can create unnecessary tension and misunderstanding. Instead of trying to fit into Neurotypical relationship standards, Neurodivergent couples benefit from developing their own ways of communicating, showing affection, and solving conflicts.

Have you ever walked into a crowded store and immediately felt overwhelmed, your brain scrambling to process the bright lights, the hum of conversations, and the shifting movement of people around and close to you? Or maybe someone asks, “How was your day?” Instead of summarizing, you replay every little detail, struggling to filter out what matters.

For many women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) folx who menstruate, keeping track of their menstrual cycle can seem like just another task in an already packed schedule. But, for those of us who are ADHDers and Autistic, understanding the phases of our cycle and how these can directly impact our mental health, energy levels, executive functioning, and relationship with food is not just beneficial; it’s essential.

What questions to ask a potential therapist to see if they are actually ADHD/Autism affirming?

As an AuDHD therapist, I’ve been on both sides of things when it comes to therapy. I’m a big believer that we as therapists need to continue doing our own work, so always promote therapists going to a therapist (but that can be a topic for another day).