Ever feel like your brain takes the scenic route while others stick to the freeway? That’s the essence of bottom-up thinking, a style common in Autistic and ADHD brains. Unlike top-down thinkers, who rely on past experiences to quickly interpret new information, bottom-up thinkers process raw details first—building understanding from the ground up. This approach, often linked with associative thinking, allows for deep pattern recognition, creativity, and nuance but can also impact how we navigate bias and communication. Understanding these differences can help us work with our brains instead of against them—leading to more clarity, connection, and self-acceptance.