The only way I can describe it to people is by identifying how disruptive distractions are, and how powerless I am to stop being distracted. My go to example,

The only way I can describe it to people is by identifying how disruptive distractions are, and how powerless I am to stop being distracted. My go to example, being in an open office, is to point out how every time somebody walks by my desk in eye shot it is very difficult for me to not immediately look over at them. I would really not like to, I trust our building's security to keep me safe, people who walk by are quiet and polite, and I know the things I'm trying to focus on are more important. My brain does not let me do it. I have to look over every time. I tend to leave out the hyperfocus thing b/c it's hard to describe what it's like to somebody who's never had it, because to some people it directly contradicts the other point: "See? You can focus!"