Your child argues like a lawyer. Or shuts down completely. Or apologizes so fast it breaks your heart. It might all be the same thing: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.

In this episode, Jana Spitalnick breaks down the five ways rejection sensitivity can show up in bright, complicated kids, including two responses she hasn't shared on TikTok yet, and what actually helps during the storm and after it.

You'll learn:

• What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is, where the term comes from, and why it isn't a formal diagnosis
• Why experts see this sensitivity differently: brain wiring, lived experience, or both
• The 5 Faces of RSD: The Lawyer, The Wall, The Exploder, The Escape Artist, and The People Pleaser
• Why the "easy," over-apologizing kid is often the most overlooked
• The one first move that works for every face: regulate before you reason
• What the research says about the "replay" after a meltdown, and three ways to help your child move from brooding to reflection

Which face shows up most in your home? Join the newsletter and hit reply to tell Jana. You'll also get free guides for calm, routines, and school advocacy: bit.ly/twistED

Seeing these patterns and want a plan built for your child? Book a 90-minute Strategy Support session: www.twistedresearch.com/conciergesupport

References

Dodson, W. (2025, January 14). New insights into rejection sensitive dysphoria. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-adhd-emotional-dysregulation/

Stewart, L. C., Sorid, S. D., & Olino, T. M. (2026). Rumination and rejection sensitivity: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 82, 1016–1029. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.70136

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychological, or educational advice. If your child's safety is at risk, contact a qualified professional or emergency services.