I beleive that is a form of autism. It's where more brainpower gets assigned to mental tasks in certain areas at the expense of others. Of course, being absent minded is also sometimes a sign of either genius or dimentia
I have a bit of the hyper-focusing a ability too, in different ways. I can see, build, and manipulate into motion complex mechanical things in my mind, put loads to it, and "see" stresses/ how things will fail. It's actually a sickness for me as my brain rarely stops either building or acessing mechanical things unless there's a suitable distraction such as from my lovley lady or a hunting pursuit. Or racing.
Some of my fellow racers thought I was bad luck and could put an omen on their car, as I'd walk up to a newly built machine with it's body off and immediately see the weak points. I'd point them out, usually with them insisting it would be fine. Later in the race, that part would indeed fail.
It's getting more magnified as I get older- both the good abilities and the short term memory thing- getting to where I have to rely on others alot.