Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Course
This course includes 10 x 30-min sessions
Specialist support for children who feel things deeply
If your child is taking things to heart in a way that feels overwhelming for everyone, the RSD Course is designed for you. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a condition children with ADHD have. They will take rejection and humiliation very badly and even perceive it when it is not there at all. RSD is often seen in children who feel things very deeply, where even small interactions can trigger intense emotional reactions, leading to distress, withdrawal or outbursts. This isn’t about being “overly sensitive” – it’s about a nervous system that responds intensely to emotional experiences.
Who this package is for?
The RSD Course is for children and young people who experience emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the situation. It’s often the right fit for families whose child:
● Takes things very personally, even when no criticism was intended
● Becomes easily upset by perceived rejection from peers, teachers or family
● Experiences sudden drops in mood or self-esteem
● Avoids situations where they feel they might “get it wrong”
● Is highly self-critical or anxious about others’ opinions
This course is particularly helpful for children with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles, where emotional sensitivity can significantly impact daily life, relationships and school experiences.
What you’ll take away
Across 10 x 30-minute sessions, the course works at your child’s pace, creating a safe space where they feel understood rather than judged:
● Help for your child to understand and make sense of their emotional responses
● Strategies to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment
● Stronger emotional regulation and resilience skills
● Improved self-esteem and self-worth
● Reduced avoidance and fear of failure
● Parent support to help you better understand RSD, respond in ways that reduce escalation, and support your child’s confidence and wellbeing at home
Frequently asked questions
What happens during the session
The course runs across 10 x 30-minute sessions. We work at your child’s pace, building trust before going deeper, and creating a safe space where they feel understood rather than judged.
What we focus on with your child
- Understanding and making sense of their emotional responses
- Developing strategies to manage overwhelming feelings in the moment
- Building resilience and emotional regulation skills
- Strengthening self-esteem and self-worth
- Reducing avoidance and fear of failure
What we focus on with you as a parent
- Better understanding RSD and how it presents in your child
- Responding in ways that reduce escalation and distress
- Supporting your child’s confidence and emotional wellbeing at home
What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)?
RSD is an intense emotional response to perceived criticism, rejection or humiliation. It’s commonly experienced by people with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. The reaction often feels overwhelming and out of proportion to the situation, which can be confusing and exhausting for both the child and the family. RSD isn’t a personality flaw — it’s a nervous system that responds intensely to emotional experiences.
How do I know if my child has RSD or is just sensitive?
Sensitivity is normal. RSD is different. Children with RSD often experience sudden, intense emotional drops in response to small triggers, take perceived criticism extremely personally, and may avoid situations where they fear failure. If your child’s emotional responses feel disproportionate and are affecting friendships, school or self-esteem, the RSD Course can help you understand what’s going on and how to support them.
Is this course suitable for children without an ADHD diagnosis?
Yes. While RSD is most commonly associated with ADHD, you don’t need a formal ADHD diagnosis for your child to benefit from this course. If you’re recognising the patterns described above, the course is designed to help.
How often are the sessions held?
What happens after I book?
Is the session online or face-to-face?
Take the next step for your child
If your child’s emotional responses are feeling overwhelming for them and for the whole family, the RSD Course can help. If you’d like to see your other options first, you can explore all our children’s ADHD services.