TILT Parenting: Raising Differently Wired Kids
Kids & Family:Parenting
I have such a fascinating conversation for you today. A few months ago, I heard about something called the Theory of Positive Disintegration — a theory created by K. Dabrowski, whose name I was familiar with because of his bringing attention to the idea that gifted children have inborn traits known as overexcitabilities – and I was instantly curious. Positive Disintegration – what does that mean exactly? It sounded complicated, and good, but also messy. So I wanted to know more.
That’s when I learned of the work of Dr. Chris Wells, who is the founding president of the Dąbrowski Center and who is dedicated to sharing knowledge and resources about this profound theory and the psychology of giftedness.
I invited Chris on the show to explore the Theory of Positive Disintegration with us, and fortunately for all of us, they said yes. And I will just say upfront — there is a lot that goes into understanding this theory and the implications it has for our differently wired children. So in today’s episode, we are only scratching the surface of this theory. But I am so excited for the opportunity to share this conversation because I believe this fascinating framework has the potential to offer a new perspective on neurodivergence and mental health that is important for families in our community to explore.
One last thing, this episode includes mention of suicidality and suicide attempts, so if those are trigger topics for you, please take care of yourself while listening.
About Chris Wells
Chris Wells, PhD, LSW, is a neurodivergent writer, social worker, and Dąbrowski scholar with a passion for studying and applying the theory of positive disintegration. As the founding president of the Dąbrowski Center and co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast, Chris is dedicated to sharing knowledge and resources about this profound theory and the psychology of giftedness.Chris provides specialized consulting services to clinicians and educators internationally, delivering deep insights into positive disintegration and its practical applications. They also offer their unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise as an advocate and speaker for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Chris lives with their partner and teenage son in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Things you'll learn:
Resources mentioned:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TPP 047a: The Connection Between Creativity and Neurodiversity, with Kathryn Haydon
TPP 342: Dr. Devorah Heitner on Parenting Kids Who Are Growing Up in Public
TPP 122a: Debbie and Her Husband Derin On How They Designed Their Alliance
TPP 056a: Debbie and Her Husband Derin Talk About Parenting a Differently-Wired Child
TPP 341: Dr. Lori Desautels on Shifting Educational Systems Towards Post Traumatic Growth
TPP 044a: Amy Lang on Sex Education and Differently-Wired Kids
TPP 340: Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards on Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World
TPP 097a: A "Masterclass" in Executive Functioning with Seth Perler (Part 2 of 2)
TPP 339: Dayna Abraham on Helping Parents Calm the Chaos
TPP 096a: A "Masterclass" in Executive Functioning with Seth Perler (Part 1 of 2)
TPP 338: When Home Isn’t Working: How to Find Therapeutic Programs, with Sue Scheff
TPP 017a: One Mother's Radical, Nature-Based Approach to Helping Her Daughter Live with Anxiety
TPP 337: Phyllis Fagell on Raising Resilient Teens in Turbulent Times
TPP 101a: TV Creator Angela Santomero on Her New Book "Preschool Clues"
TPP 336: Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Diagnoses and Misdiagnoses (It’s Complicated!)
TPP 069a: 12-year-old Asher Talks About His Experience at Summer Camp
TPP 335: Amanda Diekman Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child
TPP 059a: 12-year-old Asher Talks About How He's Prepping for Sleep Away Camp
TPP 334: Dr. Katie Davis on Digital Media’s Role in the Lives of Differently Wired Kids
TPP 021a: 12-year-old Asher Talks About LIfe as a Homeschooled Kid
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Calm Parenting Podcast
Anne of Green Gables
Great Expectations
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast