Why Do We Still Debate Overexcitabilities?

Jun 26, 2025

Chris Wells, a writer and researcher devoted to neurodiversity and personal growth, joins the discussion. They delve into Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration and its connection to emotional intensity in neurodivergent individuals. The conversation highlights how over-excitability can shape personal experiences in education and mental health. They also emphasize the importance of community support and self-compassion for navigating emotional challenges, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of giftedness and neurodivergence.

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INSIGHT

Positive Disintegration Explained

Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration views symptoms of mental illness as signs of developmental potential.
It frames inner conflict and disintegration as paths to personal growth and transformation.

ANECDOTE

Chris Wells' Personal Journey

Chris Wells shared their personal journey from being identified as gifted to a long psychiatric treatment experience.
Discovering Dabrowski's theory helped reframe their identity through compassion and deeper understanding.

INSIGHT

Broad Impact of Overexcitability

Overexcitability connects strongly with various neurodivergences like ADHD and autism beyond personality models like the Big Five.
Medical links to conditions such as epilepsy and chronic pain are present but largely unexplored.

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Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Chris Wells, a writer, researcher, and podcaster who specializes in positive disintegration. They break down the theory of positive disintegration, developed by Kazimierz Dąbrowski, and its relevance to personal growth and neurodiversity. They explore the concept of over-excitability, its implications in the gifted education community, and the controversy surrounding its interpretation. They talk about disintegration as a pathway to self-actualization, and the need for community support for those experiencing intense emotional states. They also discuss the future directions of integrating Dąbrowski's theory with contemporary understandings of neurodiversity.

TAKEAWAYS

The theory of positive disintegration is about personal growth.
Dąbrowski's work connects mental illness with developmental potential.
Over-excitability is a key concept in understanding neurodivergence.
The gifted education community often misunderstands Dąbrowski's theory.
Positive disintegration can lead to self-actualization.
Intensity and sensitivity can be both a blessing and a curse.
Navigating disintegration requires a grounding practice.
Community support is essential for those experiencing disintegration.

Episode 147, with Alex Vuyk: Does Personality Impact Neurodiversity?

Positive Disintegration podcast episode 30 mentioned in our conversation (link is to Apple podcasts)

Check out the courses in the Neurodiversity University.

Chris Wells, PhD is a writer, researcher, and podcaster specializing in positive disintegration, neurodivergence, and personal growth. They are the founder of the Dąbrowski Center and creator of the Positive Disintegration Network, dedicated to bringing Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration into both academic and public conversations.

Chris co-hosts the Positive Disintegration and Cosmic Cheer Squad podcasts and shares their work on Substack, where they blend theory with lived experience to make complex psychological concepts more accessible. Their work centers on self-development, authenticity, and transformation, supporting others in navigating growth through the lens of neurodivergence.

BACKGROUND READING

Chris’s LinkTree, Positive Disintegration website, Cosmic Cheer Squad Substack, Instagram