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Join thirteen-year-old Leta, an amazing tap dancer and the founder of Autistic Wings Dance Company, and her mom, Amanda, as they share insights into Leta's autistic life. This podcast delves into a variety of topics, from navigating the challenges of bullying in dance studios due to autism and dyslexia, to the journey of establishing a new nonprofit, to deep dives into the neurodiverse world and what it means to be “quirky.”
Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, self-advocacy, and the importance of acceptance and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals. The show explores personal experiences, including the phenomenon of autistic masking and burnout, offering a relatable perspective on what it's like to navigate the world as a neurodivergent person. With special guests ranging from Leta's dance family to experts in autism spectrum disorder, "Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)" celebrates the joy and challenges of life, all through the rhythm and resilience of tap dancing.
136 Episodes
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Send us Fan Mail This week on Tap Tuesday, Amanda and Leta announce the Golden Chrysalis — a first-of-its-kind pre-professional dance company that is autistic-founded, autistic-run, and autistic-led. They discuss what it takes to build this program, why they need full-time staff, and how the community can help through their April fundraising drive. Plus, Leta keeps it real about choreography changes, imposter syndrome, and the realities of life at the studio. All Golden Chrysalis dancers are ...
Send us Fan Mail What if the traits labeled as "disabilities" in school are actually superpowers in disguise? In this episode, Amanda and Leta sit down with John Osha, Australian author of "Neuro Spicy," to explore what it really means to live with ADHD and dyslexia. John describes his neurodivergent mind as "a V8 engine with no brakes"—powerful, fast, and always running at full throttle. From struggling to read aloud in school to becoming a successful entrepreneur, world traveler, and author...
Send us Fan Mail Craig Murphy was diagnosed with autism at 36, but it wasn't a shock. As the director of Alt Agency, a million-pound web design firm in Birmingham, UK, Craig shares how his autistic traits have shaped both his strengths in coding and his challenges with people management. In this candid conversation, we discuss late diagnosis, catastrophizing, the importance of building a supportive team, and why numbers and code just make sense to neurodivergent brains. A must-listen for pare...
Send us Fan Mail What if autism isn't just one thing? Dr. Christopher Wyatt—an autistic professor and father of two neurodivergent daughters—shares why labels shouldn't define our children and how diagnostic criteria have changed so much that he wasn't even considered "autistic" until 2006. We talk about why autism and ADHD are deeply interconnected, the reality of navigating dysgraphia and dyslexia in schools, and why comparing your child to other autistic kids misses the point. Christopher'...
Send us Fan Mail We’re back with new episodes! And we’re kicking it off with Mattel’s new Autistic Barbie (made with ASAN!) We literally ran to Target to grab one of the last ones. This episode is... well, it's exactly what happens when you hand an autistic 14-year-old a Barbie doll with packaging that was NOT designed for Leta’s fine motor skill issues and add Amanda’s ADHD attempts to talk. Watch Leta struggle with the weirdly-shaped box (seriously, why is it shaped like that?!) while we ta...
Send us Fan Mail Jenny Briggs is back! Join Amanda and Leta as they talk to Jenny about raising her daughter, Sarah, and the Sarah Rising Program Jenny set up for her daughter. (The Sarah Rising Program is based off the Do Autism Differently Program - formerly Son Rise Program.)
Send us Fan Mail Dr Barb is back to talk about her new book, "Unshakeable: Parenting through Autism With Love, Courage, and Purpose." (Ranked #101 on in Amazon's "Child Care" books.) Join us as we discuss the book, what Dr Barb went through to writing the book, how Dr Barb's daughter feels about the book, and, of course, talk a little about Carmel the Therapy Dog. You can purchase Dr Barb's new book for yourself or as a holiday present for the parent in your life. https://www.amazon.com/Unsha...
Send us Fan Mail Join Leta and Amanda for a special (edited pre-recording) episode of Leta’s Tap Styles and My Autistic Life as we raise funds to try and save Leta’s nonprofit dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company. Special Guests Gayle Knowles (VP of Autistic Wings and Head of Dance Instruction) and Amber Schecter (Treasurer and Parent of two Autistic Wings dancers) join us to talk about what makes Autistic Wings Dance Company special, and why it has become a lifeline to the autistic dan...
Send us Fan Mail Friend of the podcast, Author Faith Jacobs, joins us to share her latest book about Mozart. This time it is a children’s book about Mozart’s puppy, and the life of what can only be described as one of Mozart’s closest companions. This new book is a companion novel for Faith’s “Faithfully Yours” adult historical fiction series about Mozart. Discover how Faith brings history to life for young readers, making classical music and representation accessible and fun for all. In this...
Send us Fan Mail This episode was recorded live during our Giving Tuesday fundraiser for Autistic Wings Dance Company! Join co-hosts Leta (founder of Autistic Wings) and Amanda (CEO of Autistic Wings) as they share stories, discuss the impact of Autistic Wings, quickly talk about the upcoming Medicaid cuts, and rally support for an incredible cause. In this episode: Learn about the mission and programs of Autistic Wings Dance CompanyHear about our upcoming golf tournament—and help us choose t...
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michelle Lee Steiner as we explore what it really takes for neurodivergent students to succeed. Michelle shares her personal journey with learning disabilities, the challenges she faced in school, and the strategies that helped her thrive. We discuss the importance of self-advocacy, supportive teachers, and embracing neurodiversity in education. Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or ally, you’ll find practical insights and e...
Send us Fan Mail Michelle Choairy is back—this time launching her new brand, Special Education Concierge! In this episode, Michelle shares her journey from Simple Solutions for Complex Kids to becoming a dedicated advocate for families navigating special education. We talk about what real advocacy looks like, how parents can find the right support, and why early intervention and the right advocate can make all the difference. Plus, we spotlight Autistic Wings Dance Company, the nonprofit foun...
Send us Fan Mail Clinical psychologist Dr. David Helfand joins us to discuss love, autism, and what makes relationships work for neurodiverse couples. Real stories, expert tips, and honest conversation in under an hour! Learn more or connect with Dr. Helfand at: https://marriagequest.org Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest
Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Leta Rundell and Amanda Trisdale for a special episode celebrating the launch of Leta’s latest tap dance video—filmed on the beautiful greens of Antler Creek Golf Course! This episode drops alongside Autistic Wings Dance Company’s Colorado Gives fundraising campaign, supporting inclusive dance opportunities for autistic dancers. Go behind the scenes with exclusive stories, bloopers, and heartfelt moments as Leta shares her journey as a 14-year-old nonprofit founder...
Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening conversation, Raj Khedun and Marleen discuss the importance of breathing techniques in managing neurodiversity, particularly in individuals with autism and ADHD. They share personal stories of overcoming challenges through natural methods, emphasizing the role of breathing in unlocking healing hormones and achieving mental clarity. The discussion also highlights the significance of family dynamics in implementing these techniques and the skepticism often ...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Amanda Trisdale and Leta Rundell discuss the importance of community support for Autistic Wings, a nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers. They explore the challenges of fundraising, the significance of Colorado Gives Day, and the impact of donations on their mission to provide a dedicated space for their programs. The conversation highlights the need for consistent support and the creative ways they engage the community. Ready to become one of the 250 d...
Send us Fan Mail Join us for an honest conversation about autism, ADHD, and the power of early intervention. Our guest, developmental pediatrician Dr. Inyang Takon, shares expert insights on diagnosis, support, and what families and neurodiverse individuals really need. We discuss common myths, the importance of a strong care team, and practical advice for parents, educators, and anyone navigating neurodiversity. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or part of the neurodiverse community, th...
Send us Fan Mail This Tap Tuesday, Amanda and Leta dig into the wild world of theater superstitions, backstage myths, and ghost stories—through the lens of autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent life. We share our favorite superstitions, explore why these traditions matter for neurodivergent performers, and swap real backstage stories from the world of tap dance and theater. Support our community! Leta and her teenaged coworker, Faith, are in a friendly competition against the Autistic Wings Board ...
Send us Fan Mail Join Amanda and Leta as they explore accessibility, accommodations, and the quirky superstitions of theatre life—from ghost lights to stage manager lore. Discover what it’s like to perform as a neurodivergent dancer and how tradition shapes the stage. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.letatapstyles.com 💃 Leta’s Dance Studio: https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org 🎙️ Want to be a guest? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letas...
Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Nicola Knobel shares her experiences with late diagnoses of autism and ADHD, discussing the challenges and insights gained from parenting neurodivergent children. The discussion explores communication styles within neurodivergent families, the impact of strict parenting, and the importance of understanding differences in behavior. The conversation also touches on the effects of COVID on resilience and growth in children, as well as the significa...
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