04/21/2026
Okay, let’s talk about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria for a minute.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it refers to intense emotional distress brought on by the perception of being rejected or criticized. 🥺 It’s common in teens with ADHD and autism and can result in them withdrawing from relationships (or being overly people-pleasing) to prevent rejection 💔 .
I recently read this workbook by Casey O’Brien Martin to determine if it could be helpful for some of my clients, and I decided to make a post about it in case others are looking for this type of resource! Here are my highlights:
📕 The beginning includes a comic-book-style explanation of RSD. I LOVE that Casey () compares RSD to a car alarm: sometimes it “goes off”by accident, even when no one’s trying to steal the car. (In other words, teens with RSD might detect rejection - and react strongly - where none was intended.)
📕There are a variety of exercises in the workbook, from drawing a picture to light writing to checking items off a list. It’ll keep readers’ interest.
📕 LOTS of different breathing exercises and grounding activities for them to try.
📕 My favorite activity is one called Search for Facts, which invites readers to examine whether there’s another way to look at their tricky situation. (As in, are you truly being rejected/ignored/etc, or could there be another explanation?)
I highly recommend this workbook if your pr***en or teen clients (or own kiddos) are struggling with RSD. Throughout the book, Casey explains RSD clearly and thoughtfully. No one is shamed for a struggle they didn’t sign up for ❤️.
