Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)

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...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, discusses the complexities of dyslexia and dysgraphia, emphasizing the importance of phonological skills in reading and writing. She addresses common misconceptions about dyslexia, the challenges faced by children with learning disabilities, and the current state of reading education in the U.S. The conve...

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 gues...

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 al...

Send us Fan Mail Join Amanda and Leta for an honest, unfiltered conversation about living with autism and ADHD. In this episode, they break down myths, share personal stories, and discuss the realities of ableism, inclusion, and the importance of safe spaces—especially in the dance world. Whether you’re neurodivergent or want to better understand the neurodivergent experience, you’ll find insight,...

Send us Fan Mail Is talk therapy not working for you or your child? Discover how expressive arts therapy—using art, play, and creativity—can unlock healing for neurodivergent minds. In this episode, therapist Emily Cox shares her expertise in working with autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent kids, teens, and young adults. We explore why traditional therapy sometimes falls short, and how cr...

Send us Fan Mail  Go behind the scenes with Leta and Amanda as they share what it’s like to film a tap dance video as an autistic teen. From sensory challenges to creative breakthroughs, discover the real stories behind the tap shoes. Follow Leta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letatapstyles YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letatapstyles Donate to Leta's nonprofit dance studio at htt...

Send us Fan Mail Author Faith Jacobs shares how writing about a neurodivergent Mozart helped her heal from grief and embrace her own autism. We discuss mental health, authentic representation, and the power of storytelling to inspire and connect. Connect with Faith: Home | Faithjacobsauthor faithjacobsoffical | Instagram | Linktree Amazon.com: Faith jacobs: books, biography, latest update Faith ja...

Send us Fan Mail Join Amanda and Leta as they get real about what “adaptive” dance classes are like for autistic dancers—and why that label often misses the mark. In this episode, you’ll hear honest stories from inside the studio, learn what truly makes a dance space supportive, and discover why simply adapting isn’t enough for neurodivergent kids. We’ll also share resources, fundraising updates,...

Send us Fan Mail Disclaimer: This episode contains adult themes and frank discussions about domestic violence and sexual assault. While we attempt to stay PG during the discussion, listener discretion is advised. Welcome to a special “Friends’ Friday” episode of Leta’s Tap Styles And My Autistic Life ! Co-hosts Amanda Trisdale and Leta Rundell are joined by guest Sabrina Osso (Osso Safe) for a pow...

Send us Fan Mail Amanda and Leta share honest conversations about autism, dance, and what happens when we stop listening and start seeing each other as “the enemy.” This episode explores how real dialogue can bridge divides and help us find common ground—because we have more in common than we think. Learn more about Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life) by visiting our website https://www....

Send us Fan Mail Join us on "Friends' Friday" as Loretta Lee joins us to share her journey as a neurotypical mom raising an autistic child after migrating from Malaysia to the UK. Discover how Loretta built a support “village,” navigated new systems, and found hope for her family. Connect with Loretta using the links below to access her resources and join her community. Connect with...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we talk with Blake Bowman and Pickens—two passionate coaches and advocates—about the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of neurodivergent individuals and their families. Blake and Pickens share their personal stories, discuss the importance of identity and independence, and offer practical insights for building confidence and community. No matter what your...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the planning process for our upcoming charity golf game benefiting Autistic Wings Dance Company. What starts as a discussion about fundraising logistics soon turns into a lively conversation about Leta’s unique tap dance choreography for the event. Expect plenty of laughs, creative detours, and a peek behind the curtain as we prepare for this one-of-a...

Send us Fan Mail What’s it really like navigating the NYC showbiz scene as a neurodiverse talent—or as the agent representing them? In this episode, NYC talent agent Albert Bramante joins us to talk about autism, representation, and the realities of working in entertainment. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities for autistic actors, how the industry is changing, and Albert’s advice fo...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Leta’s Tap Styles and My Autistic Life, Amanda and Leta go behind the scenes as they navigate the chaos of moving houses, recording Tap Tuesday episodes on the fly, and keeping their nonprofit dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company, running strong. Hear about Leta’s new promo shoot for Autistic Wings, the hilarious challenge of learning to golf in dance shoes, and...

Send us Fan Mail Michelle’s back! In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life), join Leta, Amanda, and returning guest Michelle for a lively, laughter-filled conversation about special needs parenting, advocacy, and real solutions for complex kids. We dive into IEPs, 504s, and the everyday realities of raising and supporting neurodiverse children, with plenty of personal stories and...

Send us Fan Mail (Pre-recorded) Leta and Amanda head to Autistic Wings for a Special Tap Tuesday episode. This week we discuss Autistic Wings new Small Business Partnership Program, and their new Individual Partnership Levels. Leta, Amanda, - and shouted comments from Gayle Knowles - also talk about this amazing autistic-led dance studio for autistic dancers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Help Kee...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the joys and challenges of blending neurospicy families—where autism, ADHD, and authenticity are part of everyday life. Join us for honest conversations, laughter, and practical insights on parenting, partnership, and living life out loud. Learn more about our guests and find resources at: https://www.letatapstyles.com Want to be a guest on Leta's Tap St...

Send us Fan Mail This isn’t just another episode. It’s a call for help. Autistic Wings Dance Company has given Leta and so many others a place to belong, to move, and to be seen. Now, that safe space is at risk of closing its doors. Listen as Leta shares what Autistic Wings means to her, and why your support matters now more than ever. If you believe in the power of community, inclusion, and the a...

Send us Fan Mail Marlene Sharp joins us again this week as we go beyond the script to explore the world of autism in the Hollywood. From her positions on Autism in Entertainment and Spectrum Labatory, Marlene is a passionate advocate for autistic actors. This week we talk about the challenges and triumphs of championing autistic talent. From breaking down barriers in casting to creating more inclu...

Send us Fan Mail Tune in as Leta shares her personal strategies for navigating the high-energy, sensory-rich world of tap festivals. These spaces are designed with neurotypical dancers in mind, not neurodiverse autistic dancers. From finding quiet corners to using headphones and building connections with supportive friends, Leta opens up about what it takes to not just survive but truly enjoy thes...

Send us Fan Mail Jeaneen Tang, author of "Play Dumb and Sabotage" and one of our favorite Speech and Language Pathologist, makes her return to the podcast! Jeaneen’s unique perspective as a SLP and a mother of a child with speech delays formed the building blocks of her book. We dive into practical advice, personal stories, and the importance of embracing different ways of thinking and c...

Send us Fan Mail Join Leta—autistic dancer and tap queen—as she shares her quirky, upbeat guide to surviving a Hollywood video shoot! From sensory challenges (socks, wires, and costumes!) to snack hacks and set chaos, Leta dishes out real talk and laughter for dancers, creatives, and anyone who loves a behind-the-scenes adventure. Ready to tap into the fun? Check out more:  Website: letatapstyles....

Send us Fan Mail Join us this week as we welcome back our friend and passionate advocate, Leanne Pritchett. Leanne shares real-life stories, practical tips, and her unique perspective as an educator and accessibility consultant. From IEP Meeting tips to how to make small changes that help the visually impaired navigate the world a little easier, this episode has tips for everyone. Leanne's po...