Understanding Neurotypical, ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD. Dr Nadeem Ghayas

November 21, 2025

Introduction

Brains work in different ways. Some are neurotypical (NT), while others are neurodivergent, meaning they process thoughts, attention, and sensory information differently. Knowing these differences also helps to understand that each person thinks, learns, and experiences the world in their own way.

Neurotypical (NT) Brains

NT brains think in a straight, steady line. People with NT brains can start a task, focus, and finish it without getting distracted.

Example: Sitting down to write a message on cell phone and finishing it without doing anything else.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD brains are characterized by a “zig-zag” thinking style. Attention jumps quickly, new ideas pop up, and distractions are common.

Example: While writing an email, a person may suddenly start doing other work such as checking messages

Autism

Autistic brains often start with one main idea and then quickly connect it to many other related ideas. Instead of thinking step by step, the thinking spreads out like branches of a tree. One thought leads to many others at the same time.

Example: Hearing a sound can remind a person of past events, patterns, or small details at the same time.

AuDHD (Autism + ADHD)

AuDHD brains are a mix of branches and zig-zags. They can focus deeply but also switch attention quickly, noticing many ideas and sensory inputs at once.

Example: A person may be focused on a task, but the brain also thinks of new ideas and notices different sounds or sights at the same time.

References

Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Press.

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).