Embracing Intensity
244: Giftedness, Twice-Exceptionality, Autism and ADD within the Overexcitability Framework
Feb 14, 2022
Chris Wells, a therapist and researcher, discusses overexcitability, giftedness, autism, and ADHD. She shares her personal journey of self-identification and embracing twice-exceptionality. Wells explains how overexcitability provides a liberating framework for understanding neurodivergence and the interconnected nature of conditions like autism and ADHD. The podcast delves into the struggles of gifted adults, the importance of diagnosis and support, and the evolving understanding of overexcitability in psychiatric discourse.
48:04
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Discovering overexcitability broadens the perception of giftedness, encompassing unique neurodivergent experiences beyond conventional definitions.
- Overcoming misdiagnoses and understanding overexcitability's impact on personal growth emphasizes the need for nuanced support in navigating neurodiverse traits.
Deep dives
Understanding Overexcitability and Giftedness
Overexcitability, as discussed in the podcast, encompasses a broad perception of giftedness beyond the conventional definition. The concept involves a multi-level perception of reality that allows individuals to see beyond the ordinary. In the episode, Chris Wells shares her journey to discovering overexcitability through her son's ADHD diagnosis and subsequent exploration of her own giftedness. Overcoming misdiagnoses of bipolar disorder and anxiety, she found parallels between her experiences and Dabrowski's theory of overexcitability.
