This phenomenon is known asrejection sensitive dysphoria(RSD).
Not all autistic people experience RSD, but it can create serious struggles for those who do.
Although RSD is not a clinical diagnosis, it’s something that many autistic people are familiar with.
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Currently, there is limited peer-reviewed research about RSD and even less about its connection to autism.
I feel an intense sadness & insecurity.
Additionally, research suggests that autistic masking is uniquely stressful and can lead toburnout.
Increased rejection and punishment for not meeting neurotypical standards can cause autistic people to experience RSD.
Complications of RSD for Autistic People
Most people do not enjoy being rejected or criticized.
However, RSD goes beyond simply disliking rejection.
RSD is intensely emotional and can even be physically painful.
This increasedhypervigilance, over time, can be traumatic for the autistic person.
If you are autistic and you struggle with rejection or criticism, you might be experiencing RSD.
A therapist might also notice patterns in your emotional responses that are consistent with RSD.
In particular, having a therapist who understandsneurodivergenceand how to beneurodiversity-affirmingcan help identify and cope with RSD.
Being able to live authentically is essential for autistic people as well.
Being accepted as onesauthentic selfcan reduce the need for masking and reduce sensitivity to rejection.
Autistic people can benefit from community support to connect with people with similar experiences and understand themselves better.
Having safe, trustworthysocial supportcan help with both education and coping with RSD.
For Kate, having a patient partner is beneficial.
Hsu DT, Jarcho JM.Next up for psychiatry: rejection sensitivity and the social brain.Neuropsychopharmacology.
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Miller D, Rees J, Pearson A.
“Masking Is Life”: Experiences of masking in autistic and nonautistic adults.Autism Adulthood.
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2016;44(7):1291-1307. doi:10.1007/s10802-016-0127-y
