Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)
Join thirteen-year-old Leta, an amazing tap dancer and the founder of Autistic Wings Dance Company, and her mom, Amanda, as they share insights into Leta's autistic life. This podcast delves into a variety of topics, from navigating the challenges of bullying in dance studios due to autism and dyslexia, to the journey of establishing a new nonprofit, to deep dives into the neurodiverse world and what it means to be “quirky.” Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, self-advocacy, and the importance of acceptance and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals. The show explores personal experiences, including the phenomenon of autistic masking and burnout, offering a relatable perspective on what it's like to navigate the world as a neurodivergent person. With special guests ranging from Leta's dance family to experts in autism spectrum disorder, "Leta's Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)" celebrates the joy and challenges of life, all through the rhythm and resilience of tap dancing.
Episodes
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 these vibrant events as a neurodiverse dan...
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 connecting. Discover more about Jeaneen...
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.com
Support Autistic Wings Dance Co...
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 podcast can be found here http://swellcas...
Step into the world of Leta, autistic tap dancer and founder of Autistic Wings Dance Company, as she prepares to fly out to LA. In “Leta's Guide to Surviving Planes and Panic (And Hiding Stuffies from Mom),” Leta shares her real-life strategies for navigating airports, managing sensory overload, and keeping her beloved stuffies close (even when Mom’s not looking). With humor, honesty, and a dancer’s determination...
Blue J Cleaning isn’t your typical cleaning company. Founder Janet Shultz shares how her business hires autistic employees—not out of charity, but to build a team held to the highest standards. Discover how Blue J fosters a culture of respect, belonging, and opportunity, where every employee is treated the way anyone would want to be treated.
Learn more about Blue J Cleaning by visiting their website https://www.bluejc...
What happens when your favorite dancewear company sends you a Christmas Present in July? A pair custom designed with an autistic flair? You do a podcast all about how cool the shoes are! Join us as Amanda and Leta share the excitement, talk about the design, and discuss what makes these shoes so special.
If you want your own autistic themed tap shoes, contact LeAnn Kay at Styles in Motion: https://stylesinmotionllc.com...
Join us as we sit down with Russell van Bracklen, also known as The Dyslexia Professor, to discuss his unique approach to dyslexia tutoring. Russell shares insights from his experience working with learners and offers practical strategies for support. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or student, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating dyslexia.
Join Leta at Hollywood TapFest for tap dance, cake, and good vibes! In this episode of “Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life),” Leta and Amanda share festival stories, backstage laughs, and all the excitement of the tap community. Whether you’re a dancer, a fan, or just love a good festival story, you’ll find something to enjoy.
Learn all about Hollywood TapFest, register for this year's festival, or sign up to...
What happens when you have two neurospicy moms and two neurospicy daughters on the same podcast episode? Insanity! Dr Kristen Williamson and her daughter join Amanda and Leta to discuss what it is like living in a neurospicy home, being diagnosed with autism, the differences between the ADHD mind and the autistic mind, and a little bit about masking. (Of course we're going to talk about masking with Dr Kristen.)
Join us this week as Leta shares how headphones, a very simple accommodation, help her navigate anxiety and find the strength to perform —both in the stage and beyond. From performance jitters to everyday challenges, discover the power of understanding, support, and a good pair of headphones. Whether you’re a dancer, parent, or advocate, this episode offers inspiration and real talk about neurodiversity, self-advocacy...
Ever wonder what your child is really trying to tell you—especially when words aren’t working? In this episode of “Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life),” we get real about the ups, downs, and surprises of raising neurodivergent kids.
We’re joined by Samantha Foot, a board-certified music therapist and host of the “Every Brain Is Different” podcast. Samantha shares her own stories and hard-won wisdom about meltdown...
You may know Michelle Choairy as the amazing woman behind Wisdom4Complex Kids and her THRIVE mentorship program. Maybe you recognize her from her frequent appearances on our show, sharing her experiences raising a Complex Kid.
However, today, we peel back that “Mom Veil.” This conversation is all about Michelle herself.
Join us as Michelle opens up about her own story—from her very first time slipping on ballet slippers...
We convinced Rob Delena to join us again here on “Leta’s Tap Styles (And my Autistic Life)”. (Without Ryan, who was busy celebrating his birthday and rock climbing.) Join us as Rob shares more of his journey as a parent navigating the special needs school system and mental health care with Ryan. Rob talks candidly about the challenges, tough choices, and lessons learned as he fought for his child’s happiness and well-...
Get ready for ruffles, rants, and sensory wins as only Leta can do! In this episode, Leta and Amanda count down Leta’s top three recital costumes based off Leta’s Sensory Issues—sharing laughs, stories, and what makes a costume truly sensory-friendly for Leta. Whether you love dance, live with sensory issues, or just want a peek behind the curtain of dancing with autism, this one’s for you!
Want to be a guest on Leta&a...
Ever feel like you’re wearing a mask just to get through the day? Dr Kristen drops by the show again to discuss autistic masking, why we do it, and how it can sneakily lead to autistic burnout. You know you’re in for laughs, honest moments, and a few “aha!” realizations whenever Dr Kristen stops by the show. Hit play and let’s get real—together!
You can find Kristen all over the web
Website: https://www....
Join us in this entertaining episode as Leta and Amanda explore the creative chaos behind the latest SoleTalk video choreographed by Chloe Arnold, famously known for 'Syncopated Ladies.' Leta goes a step further and uses her imagination, turning this brief video into a full-length feature film in her head. The conversation is filled with laughter, anecdotes about being part of SoleTalk while navigating autis...
Join Leta, Amanda, and guest Jason Heffler on the Leta’s Tap Styles this Friends’ Friday. Jason joins us to discuss his children’s book, Tongue Tied. Tongue Tied is the story of Cadence, a chameleon who is shy and is often bullied for her speech impediment. Jason based Cadence’s story on his experiences with stuttering and bullying.
Through personal stories, we explore the effects of bullying, and why speech impediment...
In this episode of Leta’s Tap Styles, hosts Leta and Amanda welcome back Jennifer Celeste Briggs. Jennifer joins us to discuss the transformative Son Rise Program, and how it helped her with her daughter, Sarah. This enriching conversation goes in-depth into how the Son Rise Program helped Jennifer nurture Sarah's unique needs, celebrate Sarah’s quirks, and foster a loving and humorous connection. We delve into t...
In this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles Podcast, Leta and Amanda look at Leta’s Five Least Favorite Costumes, and the roll Leta’s complex sensory issues had on the list. They discuss the lack of understanding and knowledge most dance teachers have about sensory issues, and how those can affect a dancer’s ability to perform onstage. They touch on the challenges faced by autistic kids in traditional dance environments,...
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