Advertise on podcast: 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 organizations move from good intentions to genuine inclusion. From parking lots to fluorescent lighting to building codes, Daniel and Amanda break down the real, practical side of accessibility — and why the disability community's lived experience is the missing piece most businesses need. Plus, Leta chimes in throughout (as only Leta can), and Daniel teases what's coming in Part 2: why disability-led, disability-run organizations are so critical. Connect with Daniel: Peaces of Me Foundation: https://www.peacesofme.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hodges-jd/ Support Autistic Wings Dance Company — Learn more about the nonprofit dance studio Leta founded where autistic dancers are free to be themselves, and donate today: https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org More about the podcast and Leta’s personal projects: https://www.letatapstyles.com Want to be a guest? Connect with Amanda on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest Part of the PodMatch Podcasting Network. Daniel found us through PodMatch!

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 they explore the harm of ABA therapy, why AAC devices must never be taken away, the physical health realities of autism that most parents don't know about, and how dance became a lifeline for so many neurodivergent people.  Find Gazit at https://anexperiencer.com  IG: @gazitchayankosi  Support the nonprofit dance company Leta founded. This April Autistic Wings Dance Company is running an Adopt a Dancer fundraiser. Adopt a dancer and learn more at https://autisticwingsdancecompany.org  Want to be a guest? Message Amanda on PodMatch: podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguestapp Leta's Tap Styles And My Autistic Life is part of the PodMatch Podcasting Network.

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 burnout, bad parenting incentives, and why fun should always come first — in dance, sports, and life. Follow Leta on Instagram: @letatapstyles Learn more about the nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers Leta founded, Autistic Wings Dance Company: 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: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest Leta's Tap Styles is a proud member of the PodMatch Podcasting Network.

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 on full-ride scholarships, and the program costs about $3,400/month to run. Every donation helps keep it going. Learn more and support: Our website: https://www.letatapstyles.comAutistic Wings / The Golden Chrysalis: https://mtyc.co/2kbqafWant 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 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 private STEM school for neurodivergent students in Phoenix, Ken shares why parents are the real experts, why IEPs often fail families, and how research can drive real change. Plus, Leta weighs in on therapists, geologists, and why scientists have no survival instincts. Links: Kenneth Mims: https://kennethmimsii.wixsite.com/mysiteLeta Tap Styles Podcast: https://www.letatapstyles.comWant 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 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? More questions than answers — but that might be the point. Follow Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life) on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Check out our website. Interested in being a guest on Leta's Tap Styles? Send Amanda a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

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, John's journey proves that thinking differently isn't a deficit—it's an advantage. You can connect with John by visiting his website https://neurospicy.life/ and learn more about the following John's book "Neuro Spicy" available at neurospicylife.comUse code ABC25 for 15% offShare your neurodivergent story on the website for potential inclusion in John's next book  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 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

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 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

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 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.

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'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.

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 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

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/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

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 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