The Limits of Developmental Stage Theories: Can Neurodevelopmental Diversity Be Described by Existing Models?

This working paper presents the hypothesis that Robert Kegan's theory of adult development and Kazimierz Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD) contain structural limitations when applied to neurodevelopmental diversity—particularly the typical characteristics associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Both theories share an implicit premise: that self-transformation through relationship and emotion constitutes the primary axis of development. This paper examines why this premise does not align with typical ASD developmental pathways, and frames the issue not as a deficiency in ASD development, but as a problem of the models' scope of application. The paper concludes that theories premised on a single developmental pathway cannot comprehensively describe neurodevelopmental diversity, and argues for the necessity of reexamining the very definition of "development." Note: This paper was prepared with the assistance of AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT). The author discloses this as part of the research methodology.