255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams
Mar 7, 2024
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Penny Williams, an expert in rejection sensitive dysphoria, discusses 7 key steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. Topics include recognizing signs, fostering communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thoughts, teaching coping strategies, practicing self-compassion, and seeking professional support. Parents play a crucial role in helping neurodivergent kids thrive and grow into confident, resilient adults.
Recognize signs of RSD in kids by observing exaggerated reactions to criticism and avoidance of social situations.
Support children with RSD by fostering open communication, teaching coping strategies, and seeking professional help when needed.
Deep dives
Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is a term originating in ADHD communities, but it affects people beyond that diagnosis. It involves extreme sensitivity to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure, triggering intense emotional reactions. Even small hints of disapproval can lead to intense emotional turmoil for individuals with RSD, who may perceive rejection even when none is present.
Recognizing Signs of RSD in Children
Children with RSD may exhibit exaggerated reactions to criticism, avoidance of social situations, and seek constant reassurance. Parents need to be attentive to their child's responses, challenge negative thought patterns, and teach coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises and engaging in activities they enjoy to manage intense emotions.
Empowering Kids with RSD
Parents can support children with RSD by fostering open communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thoughts, teaching coping strategies, and modeling resilience. Encouraging self-compassion, perseverance, and seeking professional support when necessary are vital steps in helping children thrive despite the challenges posed by rejection sensitive dysphoria.
In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I tackle the topic of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and provide 7 essential steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. I share insights on recognizing signs of RSD in kids and teens, fostering open communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thought patterns, teaching coping strategies, practicing self-compassion, and seeking professional support when needed. Our role as parents and caregivers is crucial in helping our neurodivergent kids navigate these challenges and thrive. If you want to learn more about supporting your child with RSD, don't miss this episode. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and together, we can help our kids grow into resilient, confident, successful, happy, joyful adults.