Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)

Send us Fan Mail 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 series. Daniel lives with blindness and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and brings both his personal experience and professional expertise to help...

Send us Fan Mail 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 being told you're "too sensitive" or "too difficult," only to discover you were autistic all along. Together the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 showing up at peewee football games, something has gone seriously wrong. This episode is a candid, funny, and passionate conversation about...

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 chang...

Send us Fan Mail 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 environments can fix. From his journey as a physics teacher discovering autism through a strength-based lens, to founding a pri...

Send us Fan Mail 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, overscheduling, and the disappearance of recess play? And are early IQ tests creating self-fulfilling prophecies for neurodivergent kids? Mo...

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 runn...

Send us Fan Mail 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 fin...

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 supp...

Send us Fan Mail 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 envi...

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 navigat...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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 pro...

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 edu...

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...

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 PodMatc...

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 stori...

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 highligh...

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 con...

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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 in for a thoughtful discussion on love, understanding, and support. Find Jennifer Online At: http://www.grandparentingonthespectrum.com And...