Wonderfully Wired

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.

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.

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.

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.

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