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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 Site
• Purchase items from the Amazon Wishlist: Amazon Wishlist
• Become a monthly donor: Network for Good
• Watch Leta's #thewingchallenge: YouTube Link

Want 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.

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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.

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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