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In this conversation, Amanda Trisdale, Rebecca Prejean, and Leta Rundell discuss the challenges and experiences of raising neurodivergent children, particularly in educational settings. They share personal stories about bullying, the importance of understanding and patience from educators, and the impact of the pandemic on therapy and social interactions for children with autism. The discussion emphasizes the need for advocacy, community support, and the importance of treating neurodivergent individuals with respect and dignity. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the unique challenges faced by different generations, particularly focusing on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on child development, the complexities of navigating school systems, and the biases present in education regarding gender and behavior. The importance of allowing children to be themselves and the need to empower their voices in society are emphasized throughout the discussion.

You can find Rebecca at https://www.ebgc.net/

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In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles podcast, we welcome “Friend of the Podcast” April Ratchford. April brings her knowledge as an occupational therapist, as an autistic person, and as the mother of an autistic child to the table. (He will always be her child, even if he is now an adult.) Together with Leta's personal experiences - and a few mic drops - we discuss who gets to decide what an autistic person's limitations are, and why acceptance is accommodations, not ignoring autistic limitations exist.

As always, when April shows up, there is laughter, a very opinionated teenager, a couple of mic drops by Leta, and just good ol' conversation.

Catch April's Podcast, "Adulting with Autism", wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adulting-with-autism/id1726252789

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3x5XAhD6vUr9vyxwo7PUrn?si=dd1f9c7a35574810

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@adultingwithautismpodcast?si=Cl_fUw4mc2YQnbFY

Connect with Leta on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles

Leta is the founder of Autistic Wings Dance Company, a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Colorado Springs, Colorado. AWDC is a place where autistic dancers can be themselves, quirks and all. The studio has outgrown their current location, and they need to raise the funds to get a larger space. Donations can be made at https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

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In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast, host Leta and her mom, Amanda, discuss the impact of therapy dogs in educational settings with Dr. Barbara Vokatis, half of an amazing therapy dog team, and a professor of Education. They explore the differences between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals. Dr. Barb shares unique experiences of including her dog, Carmel, in classroom activities, enhancing learning and reducing stress among children. The conversation also delves into potential applications of therapy dogs in dance studios and other environments, stressing the importance of creativity and adaptability in integrating therapy animals.

You can find Barb (and Carmel) at

⁠https://barbaravokatis.com⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.barb.educator/⁠

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.vokatis

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-vokatis-ph-d-530649a/⁠

You can find Leta and Amanda at

The Podcast's Website: https://www.letatapstyles.com

The Podcast's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast

The Podcast's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377

The Podcast/Leta's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@letatapstyles

Leta's Instagram Account https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles

Autistic Wings Dance Company https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

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In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles podcast, Leta and Amanda discuss the challenges and experiences involving eye dominance in dance, specifically addressing the left eye dominance and its impact on performing pirouettes. They explore the neurodiversity within dance studios, the importance of tailored accommodations, and the misunderstandings faced by autistic individuals. The episode also touches on the significance of supportive environments, individual preferences like favorite Pokémon and characters from My Little Pony, and the need for better training for educators working with neurodiverse students. Additionally, they highlight the unique aspects of their dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company, and encourage support through donations.

To Support Leta’s Dream of a dance studio where autistic dancers can be themselves, and where accommodations are the norm, not something parents have to fight for, please donate here https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

Find Leta and Amanda around social media

Leta's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles

The Podcast's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast

The Podcast's Website: https://www.letatapstyles.com

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In this heartfelt episode of the  Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast, host Leta and her mom welcome Sam, an autism advocate a podcaster, and the brain behind 'Autism Rocks and Rolls.' They discuss common misconceptions about autism, the struggles and strengths of autistic individuals, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. Sam shares his experiences growing up with autism, the therapies that helped him, and the challenges he faced. They also talk about Leta’s nonprofit dance studio for autistic people and the need for greater awareness and acceptance. This episode is a candid exploration of living with autism and the importance of understanding and inclusivity.

Connect with Sam on his website http://autismrocksandrolls.com/

Our Socials and Websites

The Podcast's Website: https://www.letatapstyles.com

The Podcast's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast

The Podcast's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377

The Podcast/Leta's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@letatapstyles

Leta's Instagram Account https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles

Autistic Wings Dance Company https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

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In this episode of 'Leta's Tap Styles', Leta and Amanda delve into their personal experiences with autism, focusing on how it defines their identity. They discuss how well-meaning people will often ignore that someone is autistic, using the phrase “I don’t see autism.” They discuss the misconceptions surrounding acceptance (especially when it comes to claiming acceptance is ignoring autism and the limitations autistic people face), the importance of true acknowledgment, and the necessity of accommodations. Highlighting their dance studio experiences, they recount the challenges of masking, the misunderstandings by teachers, and the emotional toll of hyper fixation. The episode features a lively and insightful conversation, interspersed with humor and honest reflections on navigating the world as neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, they share exciting updates about upcoming guest appearances and call for more awareness and genuine acceptance within the autism community.

Catch Amanda and Leta on Life Stories Podcast with Shara Goswick this Thursday, April 10, 2025. Check her podcast out at https://lifestoriespodcast.com/

Our Socials and websites

The Podcast's Website: https://www.letatapstyles.com

The Podcast's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@letatapstylespodcast

The Podcast's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562557047377

The Podcast/Leta's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@letatapstyles

Leta's Instagram Account https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles

Autistic Wings Dance Company https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

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Dr Kristen Williamson returns to the podcast for a discussion on advocating for neurodiversity within the military, focusing on the challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and their families. We discuss the stress levels experienced by parents of neurodivergent children, managing PCS moves, and the importance of understanding the specific needs and rights under the Defense Health Agency. Dr. Kristen shares her experiences and insights as a licensed professional counselor, late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD individual, and military spouse. We emphasizes the critical need for advocacy, proper diagnosis, and the right to behavioral health services. The discussion also touches on masking in neurodivergent individuals, military regulations, and the importance of support networks. (Plus, Leta’s opinion that the military attracts neurodivergent people.)

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This week features Leta discussing her latest video and photo shoot, and how autism does or does not affect her ability to handle shoots. Leta also discusses her experiences dancing and interacting with animals. The conversation covers various subjects including filming for her tap dance career, how she manages sensory issues, and why she isn’t afraid of doing improv. Leta also shares her encounters with the “Not Hollywood” trained farm dogs during a video shoot on her grandfather's farm. (Along with a discussion about how cool the farm dogs are, and how fluffy their coats are.) The episode highlights her adaptability and passion for dance, despite the challenges posed by autism. The episode concludes with a mention of an ongoing fundraiser for her nonprofit dance studio, Autistic Wings Dance Company, a preview of Friday’s guest, and a shoutout to new podcaster, Michelle Choairy.

Visit Leta's Tap Styles Podcast Website for more information https://www.letatapstyles.com

Visit Autistic Wings Dance Company for more information about Leta's nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org

Check out Michelle's new podcast "Complex Kids, Simple Solutions" by visiting https://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions

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In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles, guest Rebecca Engle, a special education teacher, ten-time author, and six-time poet, shares her experiences growing up nonverbal, her journey to becoming verbal, and her work in special education. Rebecca uses her own experiences using IEPs and 504s as a student to explain the importance of both IEPs and 504s. We discuss Rebecca’s experiences with writing both children's books and poetry. Rebecca’s insights on the struggles faced by autistic individuals with educational and therapeutic systems from the viewpoint of someone on the Spectrum themselves.

Connect with Rebecca via the following links

https://www.instagram.com/re02.20/

http://bit.ly/Stepintomyshoes

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-e-7806131ba?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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This conversation explores the differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, particularly in the context of their experiences during the COVID pandemic. It highlights the impact of online learning and therapy on childhood development, communication styles, and the cultural references that shape their identities. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by Gen Alpha in terms of learning disabilities, physical development, and the need for whimsical storytelling in media. In this conversation, Leta Rundell and Amanda Trisdale explore the generational differences between Gen Alpha and previous generations, particularly focusing on language, respect for authority, childhood independence, and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on their development. They discuss how these factors shape the identity and experiences of Gen Alpha, emphasizing the need for understanding and adaptation in educational settings.

Support Leta's nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers by visiting https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org