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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

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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.)

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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

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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

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Friend of the podcast, Author Faith Jacobs, joins us to share her latest book about Mozart. This time it is a children’s book about Mozart’s puppy, and the life of what can only be described as one of Mozart’s closest companions. This new book is a companion novel for Faith’s “Faithfully Yours” adult historical fiction series about Mozart. Discover how Faith brings history to life for young readers, making classical music and representation accessible and fun for all.

In this episode: • The inspiration behind Faith’s Mozart series • Why neurodiverse kids deserve to see themselves in stories • The real history of Mozart’s pets and their role in his life • How books can foster empathy, inclusion, and curiosity

Learn more about Faith Jacobs and her books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Faith-jacobs/author/B0DPLVMR62?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=64f18fbd-3e96-438f-ac7f-615e615d65fb

Explore Leta’s Tap Styles:
https://www.letatapstyles.com

Support Co-Host Leta Rundell’s nonprofit, Autistic Wings Dance Company, this holiday season (They are raising funds via the Colorado Gives campaign until Dec 9, but donations welcome year-round):
https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org/donate1

Want to be a guest on Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)? Contact Amanda Trisdale on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/letastapstylesguest

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This episode was recorded live during our Giving Tuesday fundraiser for Autistic Wings Dance Company! Join co-hosts Leta (founder of Autistic Wings) and Amanda (CEO of Autistic Wings) as they share stories, discuss the impact of Autistic Wings, quickly talk about the upcoming Medicaid cuts, and rally support for an incredible cause.

In this episode:

• Learn about the mission and programs of Autistic Wings Dance Company
• Hear about our upcoming golf tournament—and help us choose the perfect name! Vote by donating the right amount for the name you want to see through our fundraiser link https://mtyc.co/qu9pbf
  $5 – “Wood, Wedges, and Wings”
  $6 – “Wood and Wings”
  $7 – “Waggle for Wings”
  $8 – “Swing for Wings”
• Give today at https://mtyc.co/qu9pbf
• Discover more about our studio and how you can get involved: [Studio Website Link]

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

Thank you for being part of our community and supporting inclusive dance!

Connect with Autistic Wings Dance Company:

• Website: https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org
• Social: @autisticwingsdancecompany

Follow the Podcast:

• Subscribe for more episodes
• Podcast social: TikTok: @letatapstylespodcast

Facebook: Leta’s Tap Styles

YouTube: Leta’s Tap Styles (And My Autistic Life)

Leta’s Instagram: letatapstyles

GivingTuesday #AutisticWings #InclusiveDance #Fundraiser