Page 12 - GHES-3-2

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

activities such as daydreaming, envisioning the future, ADHD, hyperfocus is often spontaneous and linked to novel,
and considering others’ perspectives (Carroll, 2020). stimulating, or personally engaging tasks. This intense focus
Researchers found that the DMN facilitates creative can emerge unpredictably and may shift rapidly based on
thinking by enabling individuals to access their extensive interest levels (Wotruba et al., 2014). In contrast, individuals
knowledge base and form novel connections (Lopata with ASC typically experience deep, sustained focus on
et al., 2022; Zhuang et al., 2023). During reflection and specific areas of special interest. This focus is more stable
incubation, experts may engage the DMN, integrating and consistently tied to long-term passions and expertise
and reorganizing information engaged during tasks (Horgan et al., 2023). The cognitive processes underlying this
requiring subconsciously (Davidson, 2020; Raichle, engagement also vary: ADHD-related hyperfocus is often
2015). TPNs are focused attention and active problem- driven by reward sensitivity and the need for stimulation,
solving (Hamilton, 2024). For experts, TPNs enable whereas ASC-related focus aligns more closely with a
the application of learned skills and knowledge to preference for routine, order, and depth of exploration (Di
specific tasks (Lesourd et al., 2024). The ability to switch & Biswal, 2014; Greicius et al., 2004). Understanding these
efficiently and quickly between the DMN and TPNs is differences is crucial when examining how each condition
crucial for creative flow, allowing experts to harness their impacts creative flow. Both groups can reach deep immersion,
deep knowledge while engaging in focused, goal-directed but the pathways and tasks that trigger it are distinct, reflecting
activity (Hamilton, 2024; Vatansever et al., 2015). their unique cognitive and neural profiles.
The concept of “release” involves relinquishing Neurotransmitter imbalances play a significant role in
conscious control, allowing intuitive and spontaneous shaping the distinct cognitive profiles of ADHD and ASC,
processes to guide action (Chowdhury et al., 2024). This directly affecting DMN and TPN activities. In ADHD,
can be related to neurodivergent experiences and their dopamine pathway dysregulation is a central feature, leading
unique brain connectivity patterns. Individuals with to challenges with attention, impulsivity, and executive
ADHD, for instance, often struggle with sustained attention functioning. Moreover, reduced dopamine levels, especially
and inhibitory control, which can lead to spontaneous in the prefrontal cortex, impair focus and the ability to
and divergent thinking (Senkowski et al., 2024). This switch effectively between the DMN and TPN, contributing
spontaneity may facilitate the release aspect of creative flow, to attentional variability (Volkow et al., 2009). In contrast,
particularly during engaging and stimulating tasks (Nejati ASC often involves serotonin pathway alterations, impacting
et al., 2023). The hyperfocus observed in some individuals social cognition, mood regulation, and sensory processing.
with ADHD can contribute to deep immersion in activities Serotonin imbalances contribute to the rigid, repetitive
they find especially interesting, enhancing their potential behaviors and intense focus on specialized interests
for entering a creative flow (Wotruba et al., 2014). characteristic of ASC, further influencing how these
Conversely, individuals with ASC might experience individuals engage with DMN and TPN networks (Schauder
intense focus and deep engagement in areas of special et al., 2015). Understanding these neurotransmitter
interest, which can support the expertise component differences is crucial for comprehending how flow states
of creative flow. Their capacity for deep immersion in differ between ADHD and ASC. Dopamine’s role in
a topic can lead to significant creative insights (Horgan reward processing and motivation may drive spontaneous,
et al., 2023). The release aspect may be facilitated by their hyperfocused states in ADHD, whereas serotonin’s effect
unique cognitive processing styles, which often involve on routine and stability supports the sustained, methodical
less reliance on social conformity and more on original focus seen in ASC. These neurochemical differences
thought patterns (Greicius et al., 2004; Rządeczka et al., highlight the need for tailored interventions that address
2023). For neurodivergent individuals, the interplay each condition’s unique neural dynamics, optimizing their
between expertise and release is shaped by their unique ability to achieve and sustain flow.
brain functioning. They often develop deep expertise Neurodivergent traits, such as divergent thinking
in areas of personal interest, with intense focus and and unique problem-solving, may enhance the ability to
dedication resulting in a rich knowledge base – critical for release conscious control and engage in intuitive processes,
the expertise component of creative flow. This expertise is fostering spontaneous connections and novel ideas (Maw
further supported by their ability to engage deeply with et al., 2024). Neurodivergent individuals may experience
content, driven by their unique cognitive profiles and brain less inhibition from social norms and expectations,
network activity (Bailey, 2023; Di & Biswal, 2014). enabling greater creative freedom and exploration (Spreng,
Although both ADHD and ASC can involve intense focus, 2012). The expertise-plus-release model of creative flow is
the nature and triggers of this focus differ significantly. In linked to these networks, with neurodivergent individuals

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.4345