Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Understanding Intense Emotions

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD):
Understanding Intense Emotions

A self-paced online course for individuals and professionals with 2.5 hours CPD certificate and resources

Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) involves an intense emotional response to perceived or actual rejection, criticism, or failure. For autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals, these emotional experiences can be overwhelming, sudden, and deeply painful — often far exceeding the apparent trigger.

In this neuroaffirming course, Barb Cook explores rejection sensitive dysphoria through lived experience, clinical practice, and current understanding of neurobiology. While RSD remains significantly under-researched, this course brings together what is known to help make sense of intense emotional reactions and their impact across everyday life.

Rather than framing these experiences as over-reactions or personal failings, the course centres understanding, validation, and practical support strategies that reduce overwhelm and support emotional regulation.

Course at a Glance

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Understanding Intense Emotions

  • $69.00 AUD

  • 2.5 hours of on-demand video content

  • Certificate of Completion (2.5 hours Professional Development)

  • 60 days access to complete the course

  • Presentation Slides and Resources
Access the Course

You’ll be redirected to my secure learning platform to complete access.

Who This Course Is Designed For

  • Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals

  • Parents, carers, and families

  • Teachers, educators, and education support staff

  • Employers and workplace leaders

  • Allied health professionals and support workers

  • Anyone supporting or experiencing intense emotional responses linked to rejection

Barb Cook, executive ADHD coach for professionals

What This Course Covers

  • What rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is and how it differs from everyday sensitivity

  • Biological and neurological factors linked to intense rejection responses

  • The relationship between RSD, ADHD, and autism

  • Triggers for rejection-related emotions and behaviours

  • Sudden emotional responses such as anger, rage, tears, or shutdown

  • Internalised emotional experiences, shame, and self-criticism

  • Social anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism

  • Task avoidance and procrastination linked to fear of rejection or failure

  • The impact of communication styles, ambiguity, and perceived criticism

  • Effects on relationships, friendships, education, and work

  • Self-esteem, confidence, and emotional safety

  • The role of self-care, self-kindness, and emotional boundaries

  • Acceptance of rejection and failure without self-blame

  • Supportive strategies for managing intense emotional experiences

Key Takeaways

By the end of this course, participants will gain:

  • A clear, neuroaffirming understanding of rejection sensitive dysphoria

  • Language to describe intense emotional experiences without shame or judgement

  • Insight into why emotional reactions may feel sudden, overwhelming, or difficult to control

  • Greater understanding of how RSD affects relationships, learning, and work

  • Practical strategies that support emotional regulation and reduce overwhelm

  • Increased confidence in supporting themselves or others with compassion and clarity

About the Presenter

Barb Cook is an autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic Developmental Educator, researcher, and practitioner with extensive experience supporting autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, and PDA individuals across the lifespan. Her work is grounded in lived experience, clinical practice, academic training, and evidence-informed approaches that prioritise emotional regulation, wellbeing, and sustainable capacity.

Drawing on her professional practice and lived understanding of intense emotional experiences, Barb brings a compassionate, neuroaffirming approach to rejection sensitive dysphoria. Her teaching helps make sense of complex emotional reactions and translates current knowledge into practical, supportive strategies that reduce overwhelm and support emotional safety in everyday life.

Access & Professional Development

  • 2.5 hours Professional Development

  • Certificate of Completion available

  • May be claimable for self- and plan-managed NDIS participants (check with your plan manager or LAC)

Learn at your own pace — CPD certificate on completion

Access the Course

You’ll be redirected to my secure learning platform to complete access.

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