Why your autistic/ADHD teen might be extra sensitive

Why Is My Autistic or ADHD Teen So Sensitive Sometimes?

Many parents notice that their autistic and/or ADHD teen seems extra sensitive to things other people don’t seem to notice. A small bit of feedback from a teacher, a friend not texting back, or even a sibling saying something by accident can lead to tears, anger, or shutting down completely.

This can be confusing, but it is actually very common. It’s called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, or RSD for short.

RSD is not a medical diagnosis by itself. But it is something that shows up often in people with ADHD, and many autistic people experience it too. That’s because autism and ADHD share a lot of the same traits, and many young people have both.

RSD means that the brain reacts very strongly to feeling rejected, embarrassed, or criticised, even if the rejection isn’t real. A teen with RSD might feel ashamed or like they’ve failed, and their emotions can become overwhelming very quickly. This isn’t them being dramatic. This is how their brain responds to something it sees as painful or risky.

Living with RSD can feel like walking around with no emotional armour on. Small things can sting badly. Your teen might constantly worry that they’ve upset someone, even when they haven’t. They might avoid taking part in things they’d enjoy, just in case it goes wrong. It can also be exhausting for them to keep these big feelings inside all day at school or with friends, which often means they let them out at home where they feel safest. Understanding this doesn’t make it easier overnight, but it does help you see what’s underneath the behaviour.

We’ve included a full chapter on this in our book for teens. It’s written at a level young people can understand, with real strategies to help them feel more in control of their emotions. The aim is not to “fix” them, it’s to help them understand what’s going on and feel less alone.

We know how hard it is to find advice that’s both helpful and trustworthy. That’s why every one of our books is fact-checked by medical professionals. You can feel confident that what you’re reading is based on science and real-life experience, not just opinions online.

And as an extra support, every copy of our teen books bought through our website before 31 August 2025 comes with a free download of positive affirmations designed especially for autistic and ADHD teens who deal with anxiety. These are simple, gentle words that help ground them in stressful moments. Head to our shop now by clicking the button below!

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