Jennifer Gerlach, a psychotherapist from Southern Illinois, USA, specializing in psychosis and mood disorders, noted in her recent article the impact of having a neurodivergent individual within the American school system on children. “Even in my own life, as a neurodivergent person, I remember what it was like to see my name almost constantly marked on the board for 'disobedience.' At the same time, I didn't know what I had specifically done wrong. When I first heard about the fear of rejection, I was skeptical. I was curious about how this differed from low self-esteem or depression,” the Western expert shares.
Characteristics of neurodivergent individuals: understanding the fear of rejection.
Neurodivergent individuals often face an unjust level of criticism, rejection, and misunderstanding. As a result, the fear of being rejected only intensifies in response to such judgment. While this phenomenon is frequently associated with ADHD, research indicates that it is likely a transdiagnostic condition.
https://www.techinsider.ru/science/1628105-slyshali-o-problemah-neirodivergentov-ekspert-rasskazal-o-strahe-byt-otvergnutym/2024-12-15 08:19:18
Unsplash The Fear of Rejection
What is the “fear of rejection”?
- Rejection sensitivity (dysphoria due to feelings of rejection), although not listed in some mental disorder manuals, can be described as a pattern of strong reactions to rejection and criticism, especially among neurodivergent individuals.
- This term is often used in neurodivergent communities to describe their issues, however, it is not entirely understood in academic circles. Some specialists believe that emotional dysregulation may be a neurological reason why people with ADHD are often more sensitive to criticism. However, research in this area is still insufficient.
“Neurodivergent individuals experience disproportionately high levels of criticism. In a world that often does not support neurodiversity, much of what is criticized pertains to neurodivergent traits. For instance, someone might genuinely try to listen to a friend's story—only to have that person suddenly withdraw. This inattentiveness may be part of ADHD, but the friend might assume that their buddy is simply indifferent and label them as 'selfish,'” explains Jennifer Gerlach.
Unsplash ADHD and the Fears of Neurodivergent Individuals
- “When a neurodivergent person repeatedly tries to change their behavior, they may be left with the feeling that something is wrong with them,” continues Jennifer Gerlach. “Education on neurodiversity and the tendency to presume innocence towards one another can shift the situation.”
- Nevertheless, the expert notes: research has also shown that sensitivity to rejection is unlikely to be a phenomenon exclusive to neurodivergent people. Instead, it may represent a “transdiagnostic difficulty” that can manifest particularly among neurodivergent individuals.
“Interpersonal psychotherapy, which has already proven effective in treating, for example, borderline personality disorder, may also be particularly beneficial for those wishing to work on their issues related to feelings of rejection. Potentially greater significance, from a community perspective, lies in education on neurodiversity and creating more spaces that support neurodiversity, which will reduce the recurring negative experiences of criticism,” Gerlach believes.
The Western specialist adds: “Moreover, meeting with neurodivergent peers can help individuals find peace and accept themselves, especially when combined with learning how the brain works.”