This page is for informational purposes only. It is not medical or diagnostic advice. Please consult a licensed professional.
What It Is
RSD is an intense emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, criticism, failure, or exclusion. People who experience it describe the emotional pain as overwhelming. It is not a choice.
How It Presents in Autistic People
In autistic people, RSD may contribute to school refusal, avoidance of new activities, difficulty accepting feedback, intense reactions to perceived social failures, and withdrawal from relationships. It can be mistaken for manipulative behavior.
Treatment and Support
Therapy focused on identifying triggers and reframing them can support management, and any medication question belongs with a prescriber. Understanding that RSD is not a character flaw reduces shame and makes coping easier.