Vagus nerve = emotional Wi-Fi: "Cables inside you are transmitting to your emotional brain”

“Accelerator and gear-stick: ADHD + autism in one head” - Dr Miguel Matas on learning to channel dual neurotypes

Meet Dr. Miguel Matas—a neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, holistic health expert, and self-identified neurodivergent trailblazer. With over 20 years of research under his belt, he's a rare kind of scientist who doesn’t just study the intersections between gut microbiomes and the brain—he lives them. Diagnosed with ADHD at 47, Miguel’s research and personal journey collide in this refreshingly honest deep-dive into what our guts say about our brains, how ADHD medication really works, and the murky ethics of autism “prediction.” Buckle up for a talk that blends lived experience with cutting-edge science, where self-compassion is as vital as serotonin.

THE LOWDOWN

• Gut microbes talk—and our brains listen.

• Neurodivergent people often have lower gut diversity.

• ADHD meds? Different drugs, different impacts, not one-size-fits-all.

• New brain imaging tech may predict autism—but what are the moral costs?

• Neurodivergence isn’t broken; it’s wired differently.

• Food timing and carbs affect sleep via gut-brain pathways.

• Science is catching up to what the neurodivergent community already feels.

• Compassion is the missing ingredient in medical models.

10 Deep Science Drops from Dr. Miguel Matas

1. Neurodivergent guts = lower microbial diversity

Autistic and ADHD individuals tend to have less microbial diversity and higher levels of inflammation-associated bacteria like Eggerthella. These imbalances can affect emotional regulation, impulsivity, and mood by altering neurotransmitter synthesis and immune signaling.

2. Microbes make your brain chemicals

Gut bacteria metabolize nutrients like tryptophan (for serotonin) and tyrosine (for dopamine). These are precursors to key neurotransmitters and get distributed via the bloodstream—essentially turning your gut into a chemical messaging hub for your brain.

3. Vagus nerve = emotional Wi-Fi

The vagus nerve directly links the gut to brain regions like the amygdala and hippocampus. Microbial byproducts and gut inflammation can travel this pathway, impacting mood, stress response, and memory. This communication is bidirectional.

4. ADHD medication affects dopamine in two different ways

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, letting them linger longer in the brain.

• Amphetamines (Adderall, Elvanse) also release stored dopamine—doubling the neurotransmitter impact but with a higher risk of side effects like overstimulation and, in rare cases, psychosis.

5. Genetic vulnerability matters in med response

A study linking amphetamines to psychosis only applied to high doses (e.g., 40mg Adderall) and genetically predisposed individuals. Methylphenidate was not implicated, and extended-release versions (more common in Europe) lower the risk even further.

6. Gut microbes shape your circadian rhythm

Certain bacterial strains may reinforce or disrupt natural sleep-wake cycles. Microbial metabolites influence melatonin and serotonin levels. Carbs consumed at night may boost tryptophan absorption, helping with sleep regulation in neurodivergent individuals.

7. Neuroplasticity is boosted by ADHD meds

Medications can help children with ADHD strengthen neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex, improving impulse control and emotional regulation. This change in brain connectivity is a result of increased neuroplasticity when the brain is less overwhelmed.

8. Early autism prediction via gut and brain scans is real—but ethically complex

Studies using transport-based morphometry and microbiome/umbilical blood analysis have predicted autism with 80–95% accuracy. But the framing around “treatment” or “prevention” raises concerns around eugenics and identity erasure.

9. Chrononutrition is a real science

When you eat affects how your body responds to food. Night-time carbs can support serotonin and melatonin production, while gut flora respond differently to meals depending on the time of day. This may explain behavioral differences in early birds vs. night owls.

10. ADHD meds reduce addiction risk—not increase it

Contrary to stigma, studies show that ADHD medications, especially in neurodivergent individuals, reduce the risk of substance abuse by 30–40%. Properly used, they help regulate reward pathways rather than over-stimulate them.

"Science Has Its Own Language, And Sometimes It Can Feel A Bit Demeaning"

Some neurodivergent individuals see their diagnoses as integral to identity, not something to be “treated.” Dr. Miguel voices concern over studies that label autism as a disorder to be prevented, especially when early-detection tech gets framed around risk, not understanding.

"If you can prevent autism, does that mean there’s going to be a choice… to not have an autistic child?" — Dr. Miguel

"The Gut Microbiome Is Basically A Wi-Fi System For Your Brain"

Gut bacteria metabolize nutrients into neurotransmitter precursors like tryptophan and tyrosine, feeding serotonin and dopamine production. Neurodivergent guts tend to show reduced microbial diversity and higher levels of inflammation-linked bacteria like Eggerthella.

ADHD and autistic people may literally digest the world differently.

"Microbes create molecules that enter the blood, acting like a Wi-Fi signal to the brain." — Dr. Miguel

"Should Neurodivergent People Over-Index On Gut Health? Absolutely."

Gut care basics: eat a color-rich, low-sugar, minimally processed diet. Testing for specific gut bacteria like Eggerthella isn’t available on standard blood tests—stool sample analysis through private providers is the go-to.

"The NHS isn’t set up to give you a bacteria catalog. That’s a private rabbit hole." — Dr. Miguel

"You Can't Fix Trauma With 10 Minutes On An Instagram Nerve Device"

Vagus nerve devices are more than hype, but they require consistent use (think an hour a day). Their main role? Calming hypervigilant nervous systems, especially those shaped by trauma.

"You don’t always need to activate the vagus nerve—sometimes you need to tone it down." — Dr. Miguel

"ADHD Meds Work Differently—And That Difference Matters"

Methylphenidate (like Ritalin) blocks dopamine reuptake. Amphetamine-based meds (like Adderall) also release dopamine. The latter has been linked in some studies to higher psychosis risk—but only at high doses and often in genetically predisposed individuals.

Europe favors long-release methylphenidate. U.S. leans more on amphetamines. Miguel's personal path? A life-changing boost—then a detox—then a return when life got too heavy.

"It’s not that we don’t have dopamine, it’s that we reabsorb it too fast." — Dr. Miguel

"There’s No Moral Trophy For Not Taking Meds"

Miguel critiques the moral pressure around medication. He shares how stigma can stop people from taking something that might help—and how meds alone aren’t the fix. They’re a foundation.

"It’s not the meds or nothing—it’s meds and nutrition and sleep and therapy." — Dr. Miguel

"Neuroplasticity Is How The Brain Builds Back"

ADHD meds may help children strengthen communication between brain regions via neuroplasticity, especially in the prefrontal cortex. But the goal isn’t sedation—it’s empowerment.

"Would you rather your child thrive or struggle?" — Dr. Miguel

"Circadian Nutrition Is Real. Your Gut Is On A Clock Too."

Carbs at night might actually help neurodivergent people sleep better. Gut bacteria and melatonin production follow circadian rhythms. Some microbes even influence your “chronotype.”

"Serotonin converts to melatonin—carbs help that chain reaction." — Dr. Miguel

"We’re All ADHD and Autistic. Not Either-Or."

Miguel talks about the inner push-pull of ADHD’s accelerator vs. autism’s brake. Honoring both sides—and ditching media-fueled binaries—creates space for self-compassion and neurodivergent joy.

"You are more because of those two sides, not broken by them." — Dr. Miguel

WHAT'S NEXT: Quickfire

Q: What’s your take on early autism prediction tech?

A: Fascinating scientifically—but deeply worrying in terms of identity erasure and ethical fallout.

Q: Are ADHD meds addictive?

A: Not for ADHD brains. They actually reduce addiction risk by 30–40%.

Q: Can food affect your brain’s rhythm?

A: Yes. Carbs at night can support better sleep through tryptophan and melatonin production.

Q: What’s your upcoming book about?

A: A science-meets-self-compassion guide to ADHD and the gut-brain connection, told from the heart—not the lab coat.