Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)
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.
Episodes
139 episodes
Breaking the Stigma: Disability, Lived Experience & ADA Accessibility with Daniel Hodges (Part 1)
What does it take to make a business ADA accessible? Why is it almost always easier than people think? In this episode, Amanda and Leta welcome Daniel Hodges, JD, President and Co-Founder of Peaces of Me Foundation, in the first of a multi-part...
Late Diagnosed: The Cost of Fixing What Was Never Broken with Gazit Chaya Nkosi
Host Amanda Trisdale and teenage co-host Leta welcome Gazit Chaya Nkosi — autistic adult, former speech therapist, and nervous system coach — fresh off receiving her official autism diagnosis. Gazit shares what it's like to spend a lifetime bei...
Are We Ruining Youth Sports? Over-Scheduling, Burnout & Letting Kids Be Kids
Amanda and Leta tackle a topic close to home: the growing pressure on young kids to be perfect athletes and performers before they've even learned to love the game. From dance competitions costing families $45,000 a year to college scouts showi...
The Golden Chrysalis: Building the World's First Autistic Pre-Professional Dance Company
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 ne...
Kenneth Mims on Building Schools with Love for Neurodivergent Kids
Kenneth Mims, founder of NERC (Neurodiversity Education Research Center) and author of "The Mother's Guide to Autism," joins Amanda and Leta to talk about what's broken in autism education — and what love, science, and smaller learning environm...
Why Are IQ Scores Dropping? It's NOT Just iPads and AI. So What Is It?
Researchers keep pointing to iPads and AI as the reason IQ scores are declining — but the timeline doesn't add up. Amanda and Leta ask the uncomfortable questions: Why were scores already dropping before iPads existed? What role do IEPs, oversc...
V8 Engine & No Brakes: Living with ADHD and Dyslexia
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 dys...
AI, LinkedIn, Indeed, And Trying to Hire For An Autistic Dance Studio
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 ar...
Craig Murphy: Autism, Coding, and Building a Team That Understands
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 challen...
Autistic Wings Dance Company: First 2026 Update
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 ...
Autism Isn't One Thing: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Christopher Wyatt
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 con...
Unboxing the New ASAN Barbie with Leta
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-...
Jenny Is Back: More Talk About the Do Autism Differently Program and Jenny's Book
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 ...
"Unshakeable": Dr Barb Vokatis On Love, Parenting, and Raising an Autistic Daughter
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,...
Help Autistic Wings Dance Company Keep Their Doors Open!
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 Autis...
How Faith Jacobs Brings Mozart’s Story—and His Dog—to Life for Kids
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 ...
Live on Giving Tuesday: Amanda & Leta Raise Support for Autistic Wings Dance Company
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,...
How Neurodivergent Students Succeed with Michelle Lee Steiner
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 ...
From Simple Solutions to Concierge Advocacy: Michelle Choairy’s New Mission
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 educat...
Love, Autism, and Relationships: Dr. David Helfand Shares Expert Advice
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. ...
Behind the Tap: Golf, Grit & Giving – Autistic Wings Fundraiser Special
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 Co...
Transforming Lives Through Breathing Techniques with Raj Khedun
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 ...
Support Autistic Wings Dance Company and Join the Wave of Generosity This Colorado Gives
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,...
Autism, ADHD & Early Intervention: A Conversation with Dr. Inyang Takon
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 rea...
Grandparenting on the Spectrum: Real Stories and Advice
Jennifer Kaufman joins us to share her journey as a grandparent to an autistic child. We explore the challenges and triumphs of grandparenting on the spectrum, offering insights and advice for families seeking to strengthen their bonds. Listen ...