Leta's Tap Styles
Thirteen years old Leta is a member of Chloe Arnold's international youth tap company, SoleTalk, a podcaster, a founder of a nonprofit dance studio for autistic dancers like her, severely dyslexic, and has autism. Along with her mom, Amanda, Leta discusses a varity of issues from the bullying Leta has faced in dance studios because of her autism and dyslexia, to the difficulties of starting a new nonprofit. Along the way, Leta and Amanda also talk about Leta's love of tap dancing. They also host special guests ranging from Leta's dance family and friends, to experts in ASD, to parents and advocates of complex kids.
Episodes
In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles, we talk about how anyone can dance. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can dance. We talk a bit about some of those people who were told they couldn’t dance or sing, or play a guitar. Yet they became some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. We also thank Autistic Wings Dance Company’s April Donors and Supporters. And we finally get to tell the world that So Danca i...
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...
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&ap...
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, enhanc...
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 signific...
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...
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 limit...
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. K...
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 Holl...
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 boo...
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 dev...
In this episode, host Leta and her mom welcome guest Kerie Logan, a therapist, empowerment specialist, podcast host, and parent of an autistic child with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). They delve into topics such as autism, masking, the importance of parental understanding, and how technical difficulties impacted their recording session. Carrie shares personal experiences and professional advice on diagnosing au...
In this episode, Leta and her mom discuss the multifaceted nature of their podcast, blending tap dancing and autism awareness. They talk about their nonprofit, Autistic Wings Dance Company, its founding, and the need for fundraising to expand their dance studio to better serve autistic children. They share a heartwarming profile about one of the dance students at Autistic Wings Dance Company and express their dedicati...
In this episode of the 'Tap Styles' podcast, hosts Leta and Amanda welcome Michael. They discuss Michael's autism diagnosis journey, workplace challenges, and the importance of accommodations for autistic individuals. They emphasize the need for understanding and supportive environments, particularly in work and school settings. The conversation critiques traditional ABA therapy and how traditional ABA ...
In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Leta celebrate the first anniversary of the Autistic Wings Dance Company, reflecting on their journey, challenges faced in traditional dance studios, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for autistic dancers. They discuss the founding of Autistic Wings Dance Company, the need for fundraising to support growth, and their vision for the future, emphasizing the...
In this episode of Leta's Tap Styles podcast, Leta and Amanda host guest Mario Wissa, who shares his journey from Cairo, Egypt to the United States, his diverse professional background, and his passion for communication. The discussion delves into the challenges and nuances of communication, and how it is different for each and every individual. Mario takes some time to question Leta about her communication prefe...
In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Leta discuss the intersection of autism and the dance studio. They focus on the importance of true authenticity and the detrimental effects of masking. They explore the challenges faced by autistic dancers in traditional dance environments, the role of teachers in fostering inclusivity, modeling true authenticity to their students, and the impact of generational trauma on perc...
In this heartwarming and informative episode of 'Leta Tap Styles', hosts Leta and Amanda welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD in Behavioral Health Management. Join them as they discuss living with autism and ADHD and how it affects their every day life. Come along as they share personal stories, the challenges of masking behaviors, and the unique experiences of militar...
Join Leta and Amanda on this week’s “Tap Tuesday” where they take a break from serious topics and discuss a little bit of fluff and toss in a breakdown of Chloe Arnold's choreography. You'll get a glimpse of their fun interactions, quirky discussions, and spontaneous moments. They also touch upon special events coming up, like the Hollywood and DC Tap Fests, and Leta’s admiration for her mentor, choreographe...
In this episode of Leta Tap Styles podcast, guest Dr. Bibi Pirayesh, an educational therapist and adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University, joins us to discuss neurodiversity as a social justice. Especially when it comes to the needs of neurodiverse students in the world of education. Leta shares her personal experience with dance teachers. Dr. Bibi emphasizes the need to see neurodiversity as a social justice issue. ...
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