Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
October is both ADHD Awareness and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) - Did you know that people with ADHD have extra - over the top - reactions to rejection?
This isn’t your garden variety discomfort with feedback. ADHD brains are wired to process this differently. It's called RSD and yeah, it can be "scary" to deal with.
At Inclusive Agile, we understand that psychologically safe feedback is essential—especially for neurodivergent team members, such as those with ADHD. For many, ADHD comes with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), where even constructive feedback can feel overwhelming or like personal rejection. This can create stress, anxiety, and a fear of failure that impacts productivity and well-being.
Here are three ways to foster psychologically safe feedback for individuals with ADHD:
Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room
The first step often is just having a shared understanding of what RSD is and how it affects people. If you can name it in yourself and be sensitive to the reactions of others you can NAME it as RSD and remove the stigma.
Be Specific and Behavior-Focused
Instead of vague critiques, focus on specific behaviors. For example: “I noticed the project slipped past the deadline—what do you think caused that?” vs. “You’re always missing deadlines.” Clear, actionable feedback reduces emotional overwhelm.
Offer Feedback Frequently and Predictably
Establish regular check-ins so feedback is expected and not anxiety-inducing. Frequent conversations also help build trust and ensure issues don’t pile up, making them easier to address calmly and collaboratively.
When feedback is given with clarity, empathy, and trust, we foster workplaces where everyone—especially those with ADHD—feels safe, seen, and empowered to grow.
The official theme for NDEAM this year is : “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
We're accepting applications to our Return To Work Program for Neurodivergent jobseekers. If you're interested in learning more please visit https://www.inclusiveagile.io/return-to-work or drop anyone at Inclusive Agile a line!
#InclusiveAgile #ADHDAwarenessMonth #ADHD #ScaryADHD #Halloween #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth
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