Well, let's dig into the science!

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders (DSM-5). 

Biologically, there's an imbalance of a hormone called dopamine. Dopamine is a reward hormone that the body gives us when we do something rewarding. For people with ADHD, the levels of reward for dopamine are set higher - meaning we need more dopamine to get that reward.

This is what causes the lack of focus and the hyperfocus. Our brains are a) searching for dopamine, or b) getting a lot of dopamine from something, thus it focuses on it.

ADHD can be gained from your environment and genetics. So if someone in your family has ADHD, chances are someone else in your family probably has it too. There are also some birth factors that may impact ADHD.

Autism is also classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the DSM-5!

Previously described using terms like "High/low functioning" and "Asperger's syndrome," it's now recognized that autism lies on a spectrum.

Autism is characterized by varying levels/intensities of:

• Ability to communicate with neurotypical people (understanding their social cues, body language, etc.)

• Sensitivities (Hyper- or hypo-) to various senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell)

• Need for routine/stable patterns (knowing what to expect/things you expect to happen, happen)

• Stimming (can be verbal or physical, such as repeating words or sounds, flapping, rocking, singing, dancing, etc.) to help stabilize your emotions.

• Special Interests! We have a natural desire to learn and a fascination with our specific subjects.