From ‘Superpower’ to Reality: What I Learned from the Late Bloomers Podcast

In this episode, Cliff and Eva sit down together to talk about Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young person navigating life, this episode offers valuable insights and practical understanding of RSD’s daily effects. Eva and Cliff share personal stories to help you explore the impact RSD has in social settings, at school, and when forming new relationships, including finding a boyfriend or girlfriend. They also address the most common RSD myths. EPISODE REVEALS · What Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) actually is. · Why RSD is not simply about being “too sensitive” and how RSD differs from the relatively fleeting feelings of rejection most people experience. · People with RSD are not choosing to melt-down, it happens because their brains register rejection as a threat. · Why even small rejection cues, e.g. A look or silence can trigger spiralling into emotional overwhelm. · How to put a light spin on things if someone starts bullying you, even if you have RSD. Eva shares how she does this. · Recognising that you have RSD is the first step to understanding and learning how to manage things to minimise the impact it has on your life. · Being able to talk about your day is important. Tech-free family dinners are a great way to make sure your child or partner can do this. BEST MOMENTS "RSD stands for, rejection, sensitive, dysphoria, and some real-life examples of that would be over reactions, over thinking and emotional spirals." "You're not overreacting on purpose .…People with RSD aren't choosing to melt down. The brain registers the rejection as a threat." "One of the other misconceptions was being dramatic for attention. People with RSD often feel ashamed after episodes. It's not performative, it's painful, often followed by self-criticism." “The other misconception is - everyone feels rejected sometimes, this is no different. But the reality is, while rejection does hurt everyone, RSD causes a disproportionately intense and lasting reaction. Like a burn instead of a bruise.” RESOURCES 👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff “What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV Eva's YT channel InspireWithUsYT - https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT Eva's Art Sketch Book - https://amzn.eu/d/iClQiFq Late Bloomers episode about RSD - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IzuuE1MwWCDZcaButNUEC CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school, refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!