Neurodiversity Celebration Week - Navigating Rejection Sensitivity

Send us Fan MailIn part 3 of this Neurodiversity Celebration Week series, Sarah is joined once again by friend and colleague Cassie Footman to explore the real, raw, and often misunderstood experience of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). They share personal stories, client examples, and professional insight on how RSD shows up—especially in ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent experiences. The conversation highlights how past experiences can shape our emotional responses, how RSD impacts everyday life, and how self-awareness, Human Design, and compassionate communication can help us manage the intensity.Topics Discussed:What is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)?The emotional and physical experience of RSDHow RSD links to ADHD, autism, and past traumaThe impact of RSD on relationships, careers, and self-worthCoping mechanisms: from sound boarding to slowing downHuman Design, self-awareness, and nervous system regulationRSD in children and teens: what to watch for and support strategiesThe importance of clean language, communication, and compassionWhy trauma doesn’t always equal neurodivergence—and vice versaTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro & overview of today’s episode 01:20 – What RSD actually feels like 05:30 – Sarah’s virtual assistant story (and spiral!) 09:45 – Cassie’s experiences in the workplace 13:30 – Chronic fear, overworking & burnout from RSD 16:00 – Taking responsibility before others can reject you 18:00 – Managing RSD in real-time 21:10 – How RSD shows up in kids, classrooms, and careers 24:00 – The link between anxiety, misdiagnosis, and neurodivergence 28:00 – Is ADHD just trauma? A respectful challenge to Gabor Maté 32:00 – How high sensitivity is often a hidden gift 35:00 – RSD and unspoken communication 38:00 – Softening, compassion, and co-creation in relationships 40:00 – Final reflections & invitation to connectKey Quotes: “It’s easier for me to reject me than for someone else to do it.” “I lived in a constant state of fear, waiting to be called out.” “Rejection sensitivity is a complete dysphoria of reality—it's not real, but it feels very real.” “Where there’s a gap, our minds will stuff it—and none of it is usually true.” “My son said, ‘If someone did it, it must’ve been me.’ That breaks my heart.” “You can’t always rationalise in the moment, but you can slow it down.” “We are meaning-making machines—especially when we’re sensitive.”Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteMaori Word for AutismConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon