Understanding Rejection’s Impact Mitigates Pain

Rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) can cause children to magnify criticism, resulting in intense emotional reactions that feel uncontrollable. Self-knowledge plays a crucial role in managing RSD, particularly for older children who can grasp the concept of their ADHD and its effects. By understanding that negative feedback elicits significant internal pain, children can develop a framework for processing their emotions. While the hurt from criticism may not diminish, this awareness can lead to healthier self-worth and improved emotional processing over time.