TPP 479: Dr. Sharon Saline on Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in Tweens and Teens
Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
When RSD Emerges in Childhood
Sharon notes RSD typically appears after school entry, often in middle school, and links sensitivity to developmental experiences.
Today we’re talking about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria—often referred to as RSD—a deeply emotional experience that affects so many individuals with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. My guest is Dr. Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist who has spent over 30 years working with neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and families. In our conversation, Sharon breaks down what RSD is, how it shows up in daily life, and why understanding it can be such a game changer—for both kids and parents. We talk about the emotional and psychological impact of RSD, practical tools for managing it, and how to cultivate self-compassion and resilience in the face of painful rejection or criticism. Sharon also shares strategies for helping kids navigate social situations with more confidence and less overwhelm, and for supporting ourselves as parents along the way.
About Dr. Sharon Saline
Dr. Sharon Saline is the author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD solution card deck. She specializes in working with ADHD and neurodivergent children, teens, adults and families–helping them improve cognitive and social executive functioning skills, resilience, self-confidence and personal relationships. She consults with schools, clinics and businesses internationally. Dr. Saline is an instructor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, a part-time lecturer at the Smith College School for Social Work, blogger for PsychologyToday.com, contributing expert on MASS Live at WWLP TV, serves on the editorial board of and hosts a monthly live event for ADDitudemag.com.
Things you'll learn from this episode
- How rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) shows up as an intense emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism
- Why many people with ADHD also experience RSD and how it can affect social interactions and relationships
- How RSD can trigger deep shame and emotional pain, often overlapping with social anxiety
- Why self-compassion, resilience, and reframing negative thoughts are key coping strategies
- How parents can support their children by validating their feelings rather than minimizing them
- Why understanding RSD is empowering and helps individuals navigate relationships with greater self-awareness
Resources mentioned
- What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life by Dr. Sharon Saline
- Dr. Sharon Saline on Understanding and Working with ADHD in Girls (Full-Tilt Parenting)
- The ADHD Solution Card Deck: 50 Strategies to Help Kids Learn, Reduce Stress & Improve Family Connections (created by Dr. Sharon Saline)
- Sharon Saline on What Our ADHD Kids Wish We Knew (Full-Tilt Parenting)
- Dr. Megan Anna Neff on RSD (Neurodivergent Insights)
- Sharon Saline on RSD (Additude Today)
- How ADHD Shapes Your Perceptions (PDF by William Dodson)
- Big Kids, Big Emotions: Helping Teens with ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity Improve Emotional Regulation (Webinar with Sharon Saline on Additude Magazine)
- Q: Are My Feelings Valid, Even If RSD Is Involved? (Sharon Saline on Additude Magazine)
- I Feel Judged & Attacked: A Teen’s View of RSD (Sharon Saline on Additude Magazine)
- Dear Dr. Sharon: Is Rejection Sensitivity All In My Head? (Sharon Saline’s website)
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