How Can Parents Handle Their Child’s Rejection Sensitivity?

PostedOctober 3, 2025

UpdatedOctober 3, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD rejection sensitivity can be a challenging issue for children with ADHD, as they often experience intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. This heightened sensitivity can lead to emotional outbursts, social withdrawal, or feelings of inadequacy. As a parent, understanding how to manage RSD and provide the right emotional support is key to helping your child navigate these emotional challenges.

How Parents Can Manage Rejection Sensitivity in Children with ADHD

Here’s how parents can effectively handle RSD management and provide emotional support for their child:

Recognise and validate emotions

The first step in managing rejection sensitivity is to recognise and validate your child’s emotions. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings without dismissing them. For example, saying, “I can see that you’re feeling hurt, and that’s okay,” can help your child feel understood.

Teach coping strategies

Teaching your child effective coping strategies for managing intense feelings is essential. Techniques like deep breathing, counting to ten, or using calming self-talk can help children calm down when they’re feeling rejected or criticised.

Reframe rejection experiences

Help your child reframe experiences of perceived rejection. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, guide them to see the situation from a different perspective. Helping them build a growth mindset encourages resilience and reduces the emotional impact of perceived rejection.

Create a supportive environment

A safe, supportive home environment is crucial in managing rejection sensitivity. Encourage open communication, where your child feels comfortable talking about their feelings without fear of judgment.

In conclusion, managing ADHD rejection sensitivity in children with ADHD takes patience, empathy, and consistent effort. By using coping strategies and offering emotional support, parents can help their child feel more confident and resilient in the face of rejection.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Emotional Regulation in ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.