Page 13 - GHES-3-2

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

possibly experiencing this interplay in a unique manner. in ASC may be linked to a mechanism similar to transient
Their distinct cognitive profiles and brain network activity hypofrontality, where reduced prefrontal activity enables
can both support and challenge their ability to achieve intense focus and creative flow (Blumberg et al., 1999;
creative flow. Neurodivergent strengths in developing Desaunay et al., 2023).
expertise and engaging in spontaneous, intuitive thinking Combining an understanding of the expertise-plus-
can facilitate the creative flow state, making them release model with transient hypofrontality offers a deeper
potentially more adept at achieving flow in their areas of understanding of how neurodivergent individuals achieve
interest (Norris, 2023; Uddin et al., 2009). creative flow. Neurodivergent individuals often develop
4. Transient hypofrontality and flow deep expertise in areas of personal interest, supported by
their unique cognitive strengths. This expertise forms the
Other considerations regarding flow in neurodivergent foundation for entering flow states, as it provides a rich
populations involve transient hypofrontality, a phenomenon knowledge base to draw upon (Bailey, 2023). The intense
in which there is a temporary reduction in prefrontal cortex focus and dedication required for expertise can naturally
activity, including areas such as the superior frontal gyri, lead to transient hypofrontality, where deep engagement
during high flow states (Khalil & Demarin, 2024). This reduces prefrontal activity (George et al., 1995). Transient
concept is crucial for understanding how neurodivergent hypofrontality facilitates releasing conscious control
individuals might experience creative flow differently. and engaging in spontaneous, intuitive processes. For
Exploring transient hypofrontality within the context neurodivergent individuals, reduced prefrontal activity
of the expertise-plus-release model, neurodivergence, enhances their ability to let go of self-monitoring and
and brain network dynamics offers valuable insights into enter flow (Djebbara et al., 2024). “Divergent thinking,” a
flow mechanisms. The theory suggests that during flow, common neurodivergent trait, aligns with reduced cognitive
there is a temporary downregulation of the prefrontal inhibition during transient hypofrontality, enabling greater
cortex, which handles higher-order cognitive functions creative freedom (Dietrich, 2003; Peterson & Pattie, 2024).
such as self-monitoring, planning, and decision-making. Divergent thinking is a cognitive process used to generate
This reduction facilitates greater focus on the task at creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions in a
hand, allowing immersion without self-consciousness or spontaneous, free-flowing manner. Therefore, transient
overplanning (Dietrich, 2003; Parvizi-Wayne et al., 2024). In hypofrontality is a key mechanism that explains how
addition, reduced prefrontal activity can decrease cognitive neurodivergent individuals achieve and sustain flow. By
inhibition, enabling freer, more spontaneous thinking and temporarily reducing prefrontal cortex activity, they focus
the generation of novel ideas (Lloyd-Cox, 2024). more deeply on tasks, enhancing creativity and immersion.

The superior frontal gyri, part of the prefrontal cortex, This process, combined with the expertise-plus-release
is involved in self-awareness, executive functions, and model, offers insights into neurodivergent experiences and
integrating sensory and cognitive information (Tondelli et al., highlights the potential for leveraging their strengths in
2024). During flow states, decreased activity in these regions achieving optimal performance and flow (Table 1).
can facilitate deep immersion and seamless integration 5. Recommended next steps
of actions and awareness (Chen & Mokmin, 2024). This
dynamic is particularly relevant for neurodivergent Using knowledge of the brain’s DMN, transient
individuals, who often exhibit different baseline activities hypofrontality, and the unique cognitive profiles of
and connectivity patterns in the prefrontal cortex and other neurodivergent individuals, several innovations can
brain regions, shaping their flow experiences (Megari et al., be developed to help them achieve more frequent and
2024). For instance, individuals with ADHD often exhibit sustained flow states. Ayaz & Dehais (2021) suggest that
reduced activity and connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, these innovations include personalized cognitive training
impacting executive function and attention regulation. This programs and advanced technological applications,
baseline hypofrontality may make it easier for those with each designed to leverage strengths and address
ADHD to experience transient hypofrontality and enter challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. Tailoring
flow, particularly in stimulating, engaging tasks (Faraone cognitive training to the specific needs and strengths of
& Radonjic, 2023). Their tendency toward hyperfocus in neurodivergent individuals can significantly enhance
areas of interest further supports this process (Carter et al., their ability to switch between the DMN and TPNs,
1998). Similarly, individuals with autism display atypical fostering conditions conducive to flow (Chacón, 2021).
connectivity patterns between the prefrontal cortex and Such programs might include gamified apps that offer
other brain regions, affecting information processing and exercises to improve attentional control, working memory,
focus. The deep immersion in special interests common and executive functions, with adaptive difficulty levels to

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.4345