Working with Neurodivergence: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) (FD16DEC26)

This session introduces Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and explores how it may present in doctors in training, particularly those who are neurodivergent. We will consider the impact of RSD on feedback, confidence, performance and engagement within training environments.

The session will focus on the role of the educator in recognising and responding to RSD, including how to deliver feedback in a way that maintains challenge while supporting psychological safety. Practical strategies will be shared to support both trainees and educators in managing emotional responses and building effective working relationships.

The session is interactive and reflective in style, using a combination of brief teaching, guided reflection and discussion. It is suitable for all educators, including those supporting neurodivergent trainees and those who identify as neurodivergent themselves. No prior knowledge of neurodiversity is required.

Booking courses

Please ensure that you check your availability before booking a place and add the booking to your diary / calendar. Please ensure that you also book the relevant study leave in advance with your employer.

Please refrain from booking multiple instances of the same course or course type to ensure that places are available to your colleagues. If a course is full, please add yourself to the waiting list and you will receive a notification if a place becomes available.

Joining Instructions

This is a virtual course, the joining instructions for the virtual meeting will be added to the documents section (above) before the course. Please ensure that you are able to access this before the course so that you are ready to join on the day.

Booking cancellation

Participants must make every effort to attend courses they have booked. If your availability changes after booking, please cancel your place through Maxcourse as soon as possible. This will release the place for colleagues on the waiting list.

If you need to cancel within 1 week of the course or the course has started and you are not able to attend, please email england.lsfdcourses.yh@nhs.net to give your apologies.

This course is only available to Educational Supervisors, Education Leads, Training Programme Directors and Senior Faculty within Yorkshire and the Humber.

Mandatory: Dentist, or Doctor, or Public Health Professional

To increase understanding of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) in medical training and support educators to recognise and respond effectively to its impact on trainees and working relationships, including through practical strategies.

This course will:

• Introduce the concept of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and its key features.
• Explore how RSD may present in doctors in training, particularly in relation to feedback, supervision and workplace interactions.
• Examine the potential links between RSD and neurodivergence.
• Explore the role of the educator in recognising and responding to RSD in a supportive and effective way. 
• Provide opportunities for guided reflection on individual experiences and responses (optional).
• Introduce practical strategies to support trainees and educators in managing emotional responses and maintaining effective working relationships.

After attending this course, delegates will be able to: 

• Understand the concept of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and its relevance in medical training. 
• Recognise how RSD may present in trainees and how it can influence responses to feedback and supervision. 
• Understand the potential impact of RSD on confidence, performance and working relationships. 
• Reflect on their own responses to feedback and emotional interactions (if applicable). 
• Apply practical strategies to support psychologically safe feedback, emotional regulation and effective educator–trainee relationships.