About this event
This is not just a community.
It’s a shift in how we understand people.
This month:
Our keynote this month will be from the fantastic:
Beth Thomas – The Invisible Bruise: How RSD Shapes ADHD Lives at Work and at Home
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is one of the most painful parts of the ADHD experience, yet it’s seldom discussed openly. It’s the reason a two-line email can derail your whole afternoon, why feedback feels more like a deadly threat, and why so many ADHDers shrink themselves at work and at home to avoid the sting of perceived rejection.
In this talk, neuroinclusion specialist, professional speaker and ADHD coach Beth Thomas unpacks what RSD actually is, how it shows up in our careers and our closest relationships, and what genuinely helps.
- Describe what Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is, how it relates to ADHD, and why it so often goes unrecognised
- Identify how RSD shows up at work and at home, distinguishing RSD responses from “oversensitivity,” and reframing them through a neuroaffirming lens
- Apply practical strategies to reduce the intensity and impact of RSD episodes in everyday situations
Key Takeaways:
- RSD is a real, intense, and common ADHD experience so you’re not “too sensitive,” and you’re certainly not alone
- The bruise may be invisible, but its impact isn’t: unaddressed RSD shapes careers, relationships, and self-worth
- Recognising your personal RSD triggers and early warning signs is the first step to responding rather than reacting.
We are trialling something fun at the July event: 3 speakers, 3 minutes each, no slides – just you and a countdown timer. Make it whatever you need it to be: practice for a brand new talk, a chance to test a concept you’ve never said out loud before, or fresh eyes on a keynote you’re already delivering and want to tighten up. After you speak, the group will give lightning feedback (one sentence each) through a live form, so you’ll walk away with something genuinely useful. You will also receive the recording, if you want it. We plan to have 3 slots per event. The form lets you choose which month you’d like. If you are not chosen this time, you will automatically be considered for a future session. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/
We’re delighted to see the continued growth and success of the PSA Neurodiversity Community. What began as a six-month pilot has demonstrated the incredible value of creating a dedicated space for members to connect, learn, and champion neurodiversity within the speaking profession.As this Community model is new to the PSA, the Board carried out a mid-point review of the pilot and confirmed that PSA Communities are an exclusive benefit of PSA membership. This means that, moving forward, participation in PSA Neurodiversity Community events will be available to PSA members.If you’ve been enjoying the conversations, connections, and learning within this Community, now is the perfect time to become part of the Professional Speaking Association. Associate Membership starts from just £180 per year, giving you access not only to the Neurodiversity Community but also to a wide range of valuable member benefits, events, resources, and networking opportunities.We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our Founder, Michelle Mills-Porter, whose vision and passion brought the PSA Neurodiversity Community to life. Michelle has now stepped down from the Committee, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed in establishing such a thriving and supportive community.We’re equally excited to welcome Sam Warner as our new Community Lead. With the full support and blessing of the PSA Board, Sam will be building on the fantastic foundations already in place, and we’re looking forward to the next chapter as the Community continues to grow, evolve, and create even more opportunities for members to connect and thrive together.
Keynote speakers
Charlie Hart is a neurodiversity inclusion speaker with a 20-year career in HR Analytics. She is also a popular social media neurodiversity influencer under the name Ausome Charlie. Charlie is Autistic, ADHD, bisexual, and gender non-conforming, and her talks centre her neurodivergent lived experience and insights, underpinned with expertise in HR and inclusion best practice, and delivered with authentic quirkiness and humour. Charlie is an Associate Member of the CIPD, and a Professional Member of the Professional Speaking Association (MPSA).
Beth Thomas is a recognised neurodiversity specialist, speaker, and consultant. Late-diagnosed herself, Beth combines lived experience with professional expertise to help organisations move beyond performative inclusion and build environments where people can thrive authentically.
After experiencing burnout within systems not designed for neurodivergent minds, Beth’s work focuses on sustainable inclusion, psychological safety, and neuro-inclusive leadership. She has supported hundreds of individuals through transformational change and now partners with leaders, teams, and organisations through coaching, consulting, and keynote speaking to unlock both human and organisational potential.
Event agenda
The venue
Online – Zoom
Get in touch with the organiser
