Page 10 - GHES-3-2

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Flow states in neurodivergence: Cognitive integration

neurodivergent populations. Current research has also also to the interplay between various brain networks and
highlighted the stability and consistency of DMN activity individual characteristics (Greicius et al., 2004). Further
across different cognitive states. For example, studies have research is essential to fully understand how different types of
shown that the DMN remains highly stable during resting- neurodivergence impact the ability to achieve and sustain flow
state conditions, preserving its functional integrity over states, considering both strengths and challenges associated
extended periods (Beason-Held et al., 2009). In addition, with each condition (Heasman et al., 2024).
the network’s deactivation patterns during task engagement Given the distinct neurocognitive profiles of
are well documented, showing a significant reduction neurodivergent individuals and their unique DMN activity
in activity in regions such as the posterior cingulate and patterns, it is crucial to examine how these variations
medial prefrontal cortex when individuals switch from rest affect their ability to achieve and sustain flow states.
to cognitively demanding tasks (Pfefferbaum et al., 2011).
This study aims to investigate the complex relationship
In neurodivergent individuals, the DMN shows distinct between neurodivergence, the DMN, and flow through a
connectivity and activity patterns. For instance, those comprehensive analysis of existing research and innovative,
with autism spectrum condition (ASC) often exhibit neurodivergent-focused approaches. By exploring the
atypical DMN connectivity, affecting cognitive processing dynamic interaction between the DMN and TPNs while
and attention mechanisms (Wang et al., 2021). Similarly, considering the roles of transient hypofrontality and
individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder cognitive expertise, this research seeks to provide deeper
(ADHD) may struggle to regulate network activity, leading insights into the mechanisms that promote flow in
to challenges with sustained attention and increased mind- neurodivergent individuals. The findings have the potential
wandering (Di & Biswal, 2014). These unique activity to guide the development of personalized cognitive
patterns can significantly impact their experience of flow training, specialized task environments, and advanced
states. Research suggests that efficiently switching between technological tools, enhancing the quality of life and
the DMN and TPNs is crucial for entering flow states, performance of neurodivergent individuals. This study not
facilitating the intense focus and reduced self-referential only deepens our understanding of neurodiversity but also
thinking characteristic of flow (Beason-Held et al., 2009). provides practical applications to foster optimal cognitive
Neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened and creative engagement in diverse populations.
states of flow while performing activities that align with their 2. DMN, TPNs, and flow
interests and strengths (Heasman et al., 2024). For example,
those with ASC can achieve deep flow states in areas of The DMN and TPNs are crucial components of brain
special interest due to their intense focus and dedication function, interacting dynamically to support various
(Greicius et al., 2004; Wassner, 2024). Conversely, individuals cognitive processes. The DMN, primarily active during
with ADHD find flow in highly stimulating and engaging rest and internally focused activities, includes regions
tasks that capture their attention, although they might such as the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate
struggle with maintaining flow in less engaging activities cortex, and angular gyrus (Fajardo-Valdez et al., 2024).
(Broyd et al., 2009; Ogrodnik et al., 2024). Neurodivergence, In contrast, TPNs, active during goal-directed tasks,
including conditions such as ASC, ADHD, and dyslexia, involve regions such as the dorsal attention network
refers to variations in brain structure and function that and executive control networks (Uddin et al., 2009)
affect attention, perception, and cognitive processing in (Figure 1). The interaction between the DMN and
unique ways (Broyd et al., 2009). Flow states often involve TPNs is characterized by competitive dynamics, where
a balance between the DMN and TPNs, which are active activation in one network typically corresponds with
during focused attention and goal-directed tasks. During deactivation in the other. This antagonistic relationship
flow, the DMN typically deactivates, whereas TPNs exhibit facilitates the brain’s ability to switch between rest and
heightened activity, indicating a dynamic interplay between task-focused states. For instance, studies have shown
these networks (Pfefferbaum et al., 2011). that DMN activity decreases during task engagement,
Although neurodivergent individuals exhibit unique DMN whereas TPNs exhibit increased activity (Pfefferbaum
activity patterns, the relationship between neurodivergence et al., 2011; Seeburger et al., 2024). This modulation is
and flow remains complex and understudied (van den Engh, essential for efficient cognitive functioning, allowing for
2024). Some neurodivergent individuals achieve flow more adaptive responses to environmental demands.
readily in specific contexts due to their distinct cognitive Flow state, characterized by complete immersion and
and attentional profiles (Savickaite, 2024). However, this focused engagement in an activity, involves a dynamic
phenomenon is not only attributable to the DMN but balance between the DMN and TPNs (Fischman, 2023).

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.4345