Wonderfully Wired

Eloise Leher
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Kids & Family
  • Monthly

Elle Leher helps parents see, support and celebrate their Wonderfully Wired child with neuro-differences such as Dyslexia, ADHD, giftedness, autism, twice exceptionality and more in order to grow, succeed and thrive. She acts as bridge between parent and expert to access and simplify information; advocate for a strength perspective on difference; and support Wonderfully Wired families

  1. 6d ago

    Neurodiversity in Africa | Prof Maximus Sefotho on dignity, belonging and reimagining inclusion

    What if Africa has more to offer neurodiversity and inclusive education than we realise? In this episode of the Wonderfully Wired Podcast, Elle sits down with her Master's supervisor and mentor, Professor Maximus Monaheng Sefotho, Professor of Educational Psychology and Director of the Centre for Neurodiversity at the University of Johannesburg. Together, they explore what African wisdom, community and storytelling can teach us about seeing, supporting and celebrating wonderfully wired children. Drawing on powerful stories from his childhood and his work in disability studies, Professor Sefotho introduces us to Ubuntu — "I am because you are" — and the Sankofa bird, a reminder to look back and reclaim valuable wisdom as we move forward. Their conversation challenges us to rethink inclusion: not as a majority making room for a minority, but as a recognition of our shared humanity, where everyone has strengths, limitations, something to contribute and a need to belong. From the importance of hearing neurodivergent people's own stories to the growing work of the Centre for Neurodiversity, this is a hopeful conversation about bringing science, indigenous African knowledge and community together to create more inclusive homes, schools and societies. Perhaps the question isn't only what Africa needs to learn about neurodiversity, but what the world might learn from Africa.

    Neurodiversity in Africa | Prof Maximus Sefotho on dignity, belonging and reimagining inclusion

  2. Oct 13

    Connected Coaching -Dr Norrine Russell on helping wonderfully wired children thrive.

    Dr Norrine Russell has spent nearly two decades helping wonderfully wired children and their families build the confidence, executive function skills and independence they need to thrive. In this conversation, we explore her Connected Coaching approach, why every child deserves to be understood as a whole person rather than a diagnosis, and the importance of bringing parents, schools and professionals together as a team. We also tackle the myths surrounding ADHD and autism, the role of evidence-based support and medication, and how we can move beyond managing behaviour to developing capable, resilient young people who know their own brains and can advocate for themselves.

    Connected Coaching -Dr Norrine Russell on helping wonderfully wired children thrive.

  3. Oct 1

    Parent Pause: Helping Your Child's Executive Functions Grow — with Adele Diamond's Brain Science

    What helps a child's executive functioning grow — and what can parents do at home? In Episode 39, the first Parent Pause from Wonderfully Wired, Elle Leher responds to her conversation with developmental cognitive neuroscientist Professor Adele Diamond in Episode 38, The Things That Make a Brain Work, and translates the science of executive function into everyday parenting. Through three simple messages — "I love you exactly as you are," "I trust you to grow," and "How can I help?" — Elle explores how parents can create the conditions children need for connection, growing autonomy and competence. You'll hear practical ideas for supporting children and teens with executive-function challenges, including how to balance helping with stepping back, use scaffolding without taking over, find the right level of challenge for skill development, deliberately build joy into family life, and help children transfer executive-function skills from the things they love to the places they struggle. Especially relevant for parents of neurodivergent, ADHD, dyslexic and wonderfully wired children, this short solo episode is about creating a home in which children know they belong, experience themselves as capable, and gradually grow in independence. Listen to Episode 38, The Things That Make a Brain Work for Elle's full conversation with Professor Adele Diamond. Want Elle to speak to your parent group, school, church or community? Contact elle@wonderfullywired.online.

    Parent Pause: Helping Your Child's Executive Functions Grow — with Adele Diamond's Brain Science

  4. Sep 1

    The Things that Make a Brain work: Prof Adele Diamond on Executive Function, Stress, Belonging and the Conditions for Learning

    What helps a child's brain work at its best? Professor Adele Diamond, one of the world's leading developmental cognitive neuroscientists and a pioneer in executive function research, joins Elle to explore an answer that is surprisingly human. They discuss why stress can derail executive functioning, why joy and belonging aren't "soft extras" to learning, and how relationships and encouragement shape what children believe they can do. Adele explains how executive function skills grow through challenge and practice—and why skills developed in sport, music or play don't automatically transfer to the classroom. The conversation also turns to Montessori education, teacher wellbeing and what African cultures might teach the world about community, connection and learning.

    The Things that Make a Brain work: Prof Adele Diamond on Executive Function, Stress, Belonging and the Conditions for Learning

  5. Aug 19

    Bonus Episode: Understanding Autism - One clinician's perspective

    This version makes the distinction clear without turning the description into a disclaimer. It honours Bernstein's experience and the families he has helped, while positioning the conversation as one perspective rather than an approach you endorse in full. It also gently names the important limitation: much of his method depends on his own highly individualised work and may not translate directly into something parents can reproduce alone. In this bonus episode, I speak with Dr Rob Bernstein, an educator and therapist who has spent more than 35 years working closely with autistic children, young people and their families. Dr Bernstein shares the highly individualised approach he has developed through decades of observation and relationship-building. Rather than beginning with a programme or predetermined set of techniques, he looks carefully at how each child experiences the world and searches for ways to enter that world, build connection and create opportunities for growth. His stories offer parents a hopeful reminder that behaviour carries meaning, that progress may take unexpected forms, and that we should remain curious about what a child might be communicating. I am sharing this conversation as one experienced practitioner's perspective, rather than as a complete or universally transferable model. I do not necessarily share all the language or views expressed in the episode, and some aspects of Dr Bernstein's work are closely tied to the intensive, personalised support he provides himself. Parents listening from different contexts—or without access to a practitioner who works in this way—may therefore find some ideas more immediately applicable than others. Nevertheless, Dr Bernstein's long experience, his commitment to seeing possibility in children whom others may have struggled to reach, and the success many families attribute to his work make his a voice worth hearing. As always, I invite listeners to engage thoughtfully: to take what is useful, place it alongside other informed and neurodiversity-affirming perspectives, and consider what fits their own child, family and circumstances.

    Bonus Episode: Understanding Autism - One clinician's perspective

  6. Jul 31

    Healing Happens in Community, Jill Burgess and Aileen Johnstone on horses, hope and belonging in Zimbabwe.

    Healing with Horses is far more than an equine therapy programme—it is a story of hope, belonging and community. Jill Burgess and Aileen Johnstone share how their Zimbabwean non-profit is restoring confidence in children who have been overlooked, misunderstood or marginalised, while rescued horses, dedicated volunteers and families are transformed along the way. Together, we explore the healing power of relationships, the importance of seeing the whole child, and why some of the most meaningful support happens outside traditional therapy rooms. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing flourishes where people, purpose and community come together.

    Healing Happens in Community, Jill Burgess and Aileen Johnstone on horses, hope and belonging in Zimbabwe.

  7. Mar 18

    Executive Function Skill in the Classroom with Dr Laurie Faith

    Dr Laurie Faith extends an invitation to teachers "to be wide awake and curious" instead of acting on habit or bias and to let uncomfortable moments lead to intentional conversations with children that grow skills! This episode is for you if you've been introduced to the idea of Executive Function Skills (See Episode 25 with Dr Peg Dawson if you haven't) and are wondering just how you can start having conversations about them in your classroom.  Dr Faith says that "whatever is discussable is improvable" and helps the willing, compassionate teacher address the EF limits and immaturity that is the "elephant in every room" for children! Dr Laurie Faith is an Assistant Professor  at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), where she teaches special education and executive-function-related courses.Her latest book, Executive Function Skills in the Classroom: Overcoming Barriers, Building Strategies, co-authored with Peg Dawson and Carol-Anne Bush, brings together research and practical tools for teachers.

  8. Feb 2

    Faster than normal brains require better brakes with Peter Shankman

    In this episode of Wonderfully Wired, hosts Elle and Juju sit down with ADHD expert and bestselling author Peter Shankman. Peter shares his unique perspective on the ADHD brain, comparing it to the controlled chaos of a Tokyo crosswalk. The conversation dives into the "all or nothing" nature of neurodivergence, covering Peter's "Chicken Genocide Diet" and his "Ironman" approach to managing energy. Peter also provides profound insights for parents, arguing that neurodivergent children are gifted, not broken, and stresses the importance of teaching skills alongside medical support. This episode is a masterclass in high-performance ADHD management, proving that with the right "traffic lights," a fast brain can achieve extraordinary things.   Read the full episode transcript: Peter Shankman transcript

    Faster than normal brains require better brakes with Peter Shankman
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Elle Leher helps parents see, support and celebrate their Wonderfully Wired child with neuro-differences such as Dyslexia, ADHD, giftedness, autism, twice exceptionality and more in order to grow, succeed and thrive. She acts as bridge between parent and expert to access and simplify information; advocate for a strength perspective on difference; and support Wonderfully Wired families

Information

  • Creator
    Eloise Leher
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Wonderfully Wired

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