Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello Everyone,
As someone with traits of ASD and several friendships with those who identify with ASD, I wanted to ask: I understand that some individuals with ASD may resonate with the term "Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria" (RSD), while others do not find it reflects their experience. It's important to note that RSD is not scientifically proven but is reported by some within the ASD community.
My question is: when does the line blur between a neurotypical person acting defensively and an ASD individual demonstrating what might be considered RSD? There's a danger in using such labels, especially when an ASD individual does not behave this way, yet others suggest they do. This misuse of the RSD label can be a form of control, which is concerning.
Have you observed or experienced situations where the RSD label was used inappropriately? How do you feel about the use of this term in the context of ASD, considering the diverse experiences within the community?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Bear said: when does the line blur between a neurotypical person acting defensively and an ASD individual demonstrating what might be considered RSD?
From a detailed article on this subject:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201907/what-is-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria
- People with rejection sensitive dysphoria have an emotional reaction to negative judgments, exclusion, or criticism beyond what most people feel.- Other people may see those with RSD as overly perfectionistic, over-sensitive, or overly reactive to even the mildest types of criticism.
People with RSD have such a strong emotional reaction to negative judgments, exclusion, or criticism from others that it sends them into a mental tailspin, leading to rumination and the pit-of-the-stomach malaise that won't let them move forward with their day.
It seems to be the strengh of emotional reaction that qualifies the difference.
Bear said:How do you feel about the use of this term in the context of ASD, considering the diverse experiences within the community?
It is a label to describe a trait so I have no more feelings about it than about any other trait to be honest.
I suspect emotional connection to any of the labels is more to do with identification with the labels and the symptoms they represent.
Bear said:This misuse of the RSD label can be a form of control, which is concerning.
The misuse of any behavioral labels is of concern but this one is still pretty new and more likely to be confused with Social Anxiety Disorder by most professionals still. If anyone is labelled as such then I would recommend they study up on it and discuss with their therapist / doctor to confirm if this is in fact the case.
I'm not sure what sort of control you are suggesting it can exert over the person - can you expand on this please?