Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in Autism
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is a term used to describe intense emotional responses to actual or perceived rejection or criticism by others. This disorder is characterized by anxiety, shame, and intense emotional pain in response to situations perceived as rejection, criticism, or failure.
Such emotional responses can be overwhelming and lead to avoidance of social situations or difficulty building and maintaining relationships. RSD is often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but can also occur in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other mental health conditions.
ASD, on the other hand, is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is called a “spectrum” disorder because the symptoms and severity of ASD can vary widely from person to person.
Some common symptoms of ASD include difficulty with social communication and interaction, sensory sensitivities, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, activities, and interests. ASD is typically diagnosed in early childhood, but some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
Signs of RSD in Children and Teens with ASD
Some RSD symptoms and signs in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder include:
1. Fear of Social Rejection
Children and teens with RSD may have an intense fear of rejection, leading them to avoid social situations or struggle to initiate and maintain relationships.
2. Emotional Overreaction
Kids with RSD may overreact to perceived or actual rejections, criticisms, or failures. As a result, their emotional reactions may be disproportionate to the situation.
3. Difficulty Regulating Emotions
Older children and teens with RSD may struggle to regulate their emotions in response to social situations, leading to mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
4. Social Anxiety
Individuals with RSD may experience anxiety and nervousness in social situations, making engaging in social interactions or forming relationships difficult.
5. Perfectionism
Those with RSD may have a perfectionist streak, as they may feel that perfection is the only way to avoid those feelings of rejection. For this reason, kids with RSD are also called people pleasers who set high standards for themselves.
6. Low Self-Esteem
People with RSD may have low self-worth and feel inadequate to avoid getting any sense of rejection or going through severe emotional pain.
Causes of RSD in ASD
The causes of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are not fully understood. However, research has identified several potential environmental and neurological factors contributing to the development of RSD in individuals with ASD:
1. Neurological and Cognitive Factors
Research shows that children with ASD have differences in brain activity, structure, and function, possibly contributing to social interaction difficulties and emotional dysregulation (Varcin & Jeste, 2017).
These differences may include alterations in the limbic system, which plays a crucial role in emotional processing, and the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and self-control.
2. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as early life stress, trauma, and social exclusion may also contribute to the development of RSD in individuals with ASD. Children with ASD with personal experiences of peer rejection or bullying may be at a higher risk of developing RSD.
3. Co-occurring Conditions
RSD is often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which commonly co-occurs with ASD. ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, which may contribute to the development of RSD in individuals with ASD.
Treatment Options for RSD in Individuals with ASD
Treatment options for Rejection-Sensitivity Dysphoria in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder typically involve a combination of therapy and supportive interventions provided by a qualified healthcare professional. Some treatment options include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors. It can help individuals with RSD in ASD learn coping strategies to manage their overwhelming emotional response and improve social interactions.
2. Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback helps kids cope with frustration and unexpected changes and stop negative self-talk. This treatment approach has effectively addressed neurological, somatic, and mental health conditions such as depression, anorexia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD, ADHD, schizophrenia, substance abuse, neuroses, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s disease (Markiewcz, 2017). Using CALM PEMF™ along with neurofeedback may generate improved results.
3. Social Skills Training
Social skills training can help individuals with ASD develop social skills and strategies for interacting with others. It can involve role-playing, modeling, and coaching to help individuals learn and practice social skills in a supportive environment.
4. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy can help individuals with ASD develop skills to manage sensory sensitivities and improve social participation. It can involve sensory integration therapy, social skills training, and other interventions to improve overall functioning.
5. Family Therapy
Family and group therapy can help improve relationships and communication between individuals with ASD and their family members while providing social support.
Helpful Strategies for Managing RSD in Individuals with ASD
In addition to a standard treatment plan, there are strategies that children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria can use to manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis. Some strategies include:
1. Identify Triggers
Recognize situations, people, or events that trigger RSD and try to avoid them or plan for how to manage the emotional response.
2. Develop Coping Skills
Develop coping skills that can be used when experiencing RSD, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness.
3. Practice Self-Care
Engage in self-care activities that help manage their stress response and improve emotional regulation, such as exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and hobbies.
4. Seek Social Support
Build a supportive network of family, friends, or peers who can provide emotional support and understanding during difficult times.
5. Use Positive Self-Talk
Use positive self-talk to counter negative thoughts and emotions that can arise with RSD. Reframe negative thoughts into positive ones to help manage the emotional response.
6. Build Self-Awareness
Work on building self-awareness and understanding of how RSD affects you.
It can involve journaling or discussing your child’s experiences and rejection-related emotions with a qualified healthcare provider.
Citations
Markiewcz, R. (2017). The use of EEG Biofeedback / Neurofeedback in psychiatric rehabilitation. Psychiatria Polska, 51(6), 1095–1106. https://doi.org/10.12740/pp/68919
Varcin, K. J., & Jeste, S. S. (2017). The emergence of autism spectrum disorder. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 30(2), 85–91. https://doi.org/10.1097/yco.0000000000000312
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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