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

November 21, 2025

Brains work in different ways. Some are neurotypical (NT), while others are neurodivergent, meaning they process thoughts, attention, and sensory information differently. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate everyone’s unique brain.

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: You sit to write an email and complete it without checking your phone or doing something else.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):

ADHD brains think in a zig-zag way. Attention jumps quickly, new ideas pop up, and distractions are common.
Example: While writing an email, you might suddenly start organizing your desk or checking messages.

Autism:

Autistic brains think in branches from a central point. They can focus deeply, notice small details, and connect different ideas at the same time.
Example: Hearing a sound may remind you of a past event, patterns, or details, all at once.

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: You are focused on a task but your brain also thinks of five new ideas and reacts to three different sounds or sights.

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).