ND still in the dark

[IfOnlyIHadHaveknown]

To think there is not enough awareness even today, about some neuro diverse conditions that are associated with the blanket term ADHD.

I have discovered recently that I likely have Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, linked to ADHD that I also likely have. It has came to light with one of my dcs being diagnosed. The consultant diagnosed dc with AuADHD, but made no reference to him also having RSD and Demand Avoidance Disorder. We are 100% certain dc has the latter two as well. We have an appointment soon to start dc's ADHD medication, so will discuss further as we want treatment to be as successful as possible. I am also conscious that school need to facilitate the correct techniques to manage it.

The likely ADHD and RSD makes the behaviour I have exhibited most of my life now make sense. I had a very mentally unwell parent who also most likely had the same undiagnosed (and in their case unknown about) condition as me which spiralled over the years, ending in an untimely death.

I have always felt different, but when I read the symptoms for RSD it was alarming, I have every one, have never heard of it,and I wish I had have known as a child. I am now 39, and a bit lost on what to do.

Has anybody got any experience with this as an adult?

RSD isn't a diagnosis in its own right. It's just a term that's become popular in recent years when people with ADHD - who often experience intense emotions - feel rejection (often perceived rejection) more keenly than, say, a Neurotypical person.

Demand Avoidance Disorder? Do you mean Pathological Demand Avoidance?

Demand avoidance and rsd are symptoms of neurodivergence not separate conditions

Yes, I do, sorry.

Yes, they are often not as recognised, or so I have found out.

They are recognized as part of the diagnosis, what are you hoping for with recognition?

"Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is not an official ADHD symptom, but it is a common and significant co-occurring condition with ADHD.".

Not once has it been mentioned to us, despite other symptoms being detailed in DS's report, maybe because it can be co occuring; I think this is what I was getting at. Anyway it would be great to hear from anybody dealing with these conditions; it has all been a rollercoaster.

RDS is a vague term describing a common, learned response people develop following difficult emotional experiences in the past. It is not a separate condition and it is not specific to ND although ND can make the reaction stronger. I'd be sceptical of any professional who would put it in a diagnostic report as an explanation, linking it specifically to ADHD.

RSD can be a learned reponse but this isn't always the case.

'Why it Develops:
Neurological Differences:
In people with ADHD, differences in the prefrontal cortex can affect emotional regulation, making intense emotional responses to rejection more likely. Autistic individuals also have more complex neurological responses to social pain.'

Yes it is vague, and not enough is known. If anybody has any support, or knows anybody in a similar situation I would be interested to hear.

I’d say im neuro typical - what is RSD and can you give examples of how it affects your day to day life? Also, what do you expect people to do in relation to this and how they treat you?

I was looking to hear from those that are going through similar, or who have relatives with similar. I meant awareness with HCPs, not members of the public treating anybody differently. Sorry that was not clear.
I think it has all got a bit lost in translation, thanks to anyone who has replied.