Understanding ourselves often requires internally oriented attention, yet its neural basis, especially in attention difficulties like ADHD, remains underexplored. This thesis addresses that gap by investigating controlled and automatic internal attention across the continuum of attention problems. Chapter 1 introduces these attention types and the case for a dimensional ADHD framework. Chapter 2 reveals altered activation in the right angular gyrus and emotion regulation circuitry during controlled internal attention in adults with ADHD. Chapter 3 explores dynamic neural connectivity during automatic attention in neurotypical adolescents. Chapter 4 extends this to adolescents with ADHD, highlighting large-scale circuit alterations. Chapter 5 synthesizes findings, emphasizing salience network disruptions, the utility of time-varying methods, and the need for personalized clinical assessments. Together, this thesis offers a nuanced understanding of how internally directed cognition is affected by attention difficulties.Understanding ourselves often requires internally oriented attention, yet its neural basis, especially in attention difficulties like ADHD, remains underexplored. This thesis addresses that gap by investigating controlled and automatic internal attention across the continuum of attention problems. Chapter 1 introduces these attention types and the case for a dimensional ADHD framework. Chapter 2 reveals altered activation in the right angular gyrus and emotion regulation circuitry during controlled internal attention in adults with ADHD. Chapter 3 explores dynamic neural connectivity during automatic attention in neurotypical adolescents. Chapter 4 extends this to adolescents with ADHD, highlighting large-scale circuit alterations. Chapter 5 synthesizes findings, emphasizing salience network disruptions, the utility of time-varying methods, and the need for personalized clinical assessments. Together, this thesis offers a nuanced understanding of how internally directed cognition is affected by attention difficulties.