Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is an intense emotional reaction to perceived rejection or criticism, and it’s especially common in kids and teens with ADHD. In this post, Dr. Yanet Vanegas explains what RSD looks like, why it happens, and how parents can help their child manage overwhelming emotional reactions. Learn how to support your child with empathy, build resilience, and understand the deeper emotional world behind ADHD.

Helping kids with ADHD stay focused isn’t about getting them to “try harder”—it’s about giving them the kind of support their brains actually need. In this post, I share the three strategies I rely on most in my work with children and teens: breaking tasks into smaller steps, using timers and predictable routines, and incorporating movement to support attention. These tools are simple, research-backed, and make a real difference. My goal is always to help kids feel more capable, not more overwhelmed.

If your teen doesn’t want to go to therapy, you’re not alone. As a child and adolescent psychologist, I’ve worked with many families navigating this exact situation. In this post, I share what might be going on beneath the resistance and offer practical, compassionate ways you can support your teen—without pushing too hard or giving up hope.