Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)

Leta and Amanda
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    AI, LinkedIn, Indeed, And Trying to Hire For An Autistic Dance Studio

    Send a text Join Amanda and Leta as they chat about Amanda attempting to use LinkedIn and Indeed to find dance teachers for Autistic Wings Dance Company. This episode has both humor and annoyance at what AI thinks an autistic dance studio's hiring needs are. Plus, Amanda and Leta add a few updates on Autistic Wings Dance Company, which circles back to the hiring process and trying to find new staff for a workplace dominated by autistic people. Learn More About Autistic Wings by visiting https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org Help Autistic Wings set up their new studio home, and buy some items off the teen interns and teen dancers' wishlist by visiting the Autistic Wings Amazon Wishlist https://a.co/0eUxi6yH

    29 min

  2. JAN 30

    Craig Murphy: Autism, Coding, and Building a Team That Understands

    Send us a text 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 parents, autistic adults, and anyone interested in neurodiversity in the workplace. Connect with Craig Murphy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmurphyalt/ Alt Agency: https://45fusion.com/ Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

    43 min

  3. JAN 20

    Autistic Wings Dance Company: First 2026 Update

    Send us a text It’s been a month since our last Autistic Wings Dance Company update. And a lot has happened. Join us as Amanda and Leta discuss what has gone on in the last month, and the challenges of running a nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers in Colorado Springs. They share insights into the studio's mission, fundraising efforts, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for dancers of all abilities. Keywords: Autistic Wings, dance, nonprofit, fundraising, inclusion Takeaways: Autistic Wings Dance Company provides a supportive environment for autistic dancers.The studio is fundraising for a new space and equipment.Community support is crucial for the studio's success.The Amazon Wishlist includes essential items for the studio.Autistic Wings aims to expand its programs and facilities.The studio values mental health and well-being of its dancers.Autistic Wings is part of the PodMatch Podcasting Network.The studio offers both recreational and professional dance programs.Autistic Wings is committed to inclusivity and accessibility.The studio is looking for sponsors for its upcoming events.Links: Donate to Autistic Wing's moving fund: OneCause Event SitePurchase items from the Amazon Wishlist: Amazon WishlistBecome a monthly donor: Network for GoodWatch Leta's #thewingchallenge: YouTube LinkWant to be a guest on Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Send Amanda Trisdale a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch Link. This show is part of the PodMatch Podcasting Network.

    41 min

  4. JAN 16

    Autism Isn't One Thing: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Christopher Wyatt

    Send us a text 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's advice? Don't let your child become a label. Treat them as individuals and focus on what they actually need to succeed. Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt is a professor in central Texas and longtime advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Find his research at linktr.ee/CSWyatt or search "Wyatt Autism" on Google Scholar.

    58 min

  5. JAN 13

    Unboxing the New ASAN Barbie with Leta

    Send us a text 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 talk about why this kind of representation matters. Spoiler: Leta's main complaint is that the Barbie can't tap dance. Priorities, people. We cover: - Why headphones and AAC devices should just be NORMAL - The ongoing battle to get parents to understand Autistic Wings Dance Company is different, and we need them to bring their child’s AAC devices into the studio (How else are we supposed to talk to dancers who use AAC devices?) - Why loose-fitting clothing is a thing - Updates on Autistic Wings Dance Company (we're looking for a new space!) - And yes, the Barbie apparently has arthritis now according to Leta  🔗 LINKS: SoleTalk DC 2024 video (with Leta wearing her headphones): https://youtu.be/vQMKa7O-f24?si=MMOmFhL4iaYx6fkl Support Autistic Wings Dance Company: https://onecau.se/_etwsn1   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  Watch the unboxing on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yXq5DTtTlvE  New episodes every Tuesday & Friday. Thanks for being here! #AutisticBarbie #ActuallyAutistic #AutismRepresentation #ASAN #AutisticWingsDanceCompany #PodMatch

    45 min

  6. JAN 9

    Jenny Is Back: More Talk About the Do Autism Differently Program and Jenny's Book

    Send us a text 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.)

    38 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    "Unshakeable": Dr Barb Vokatis On Love, Parenting, and Raising an Autistic Daughter

    Send us a text 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/Unshakable-Parenting-through-Courage-Purpose/dp/B0FWB72V93?fbclid=IwY2xjawOuWrZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4NEVmOHE0dkNDWFJlWjZHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs-utWo-j3Qb9xS9jW7yhvazFRKqPgLOPtK_9GFwHQFrM0w2_PffMU3Px3Xw_aem_mj8oNZXfir4OmqusFR9dEA Visit Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)'s webpage for more information on the podcast https://www.letatapstyles.com This holiday season; give the gift of dance and self expression to an autistic child in Colorado Springs. Donate to Autistic Wings Dance Company and learn more about their mission by visiting https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.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

    54 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Help Autistic Wings Dance Company Keep Their Doors Open!

    Send us a text 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 dance community here in Colorado Springs.   Your gift today will help keep Autistic Wings Dance Company’s doors open, and help them attempt to get a studio space of their own so they can expand their program and welcome more dancers. They need just 45 people donating $20 a month to save the studio, and just 250 people donating $20 a month to get a space of their own. Donate at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Autistic-Wings-Dance-Company Learn more about Autistic Wings Dance Company at https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org . #AutisticWings #DanceForAll #ColoradoGivesDay

    57 min
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About

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.

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