Creating Space for Autistic Dancers with Amanda Trisdale & Leta Rundell | Ep. 116

In this episode, Amanda Trisdel and her daughter Leta Rundell join the discussion to talk about their journey in the neurodivergent community and the founding of the Autistic Wings Dance Company.Amanda, the CEO, and Leta, who has been a dedicated dancer since a young age, talk about the struggles faced in traditional dance studios, leading them to establish a safe and accommodating space for neurodivergent dancers.The conversation also touches on the detailed approach towards developing dance IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) for their students, the challenges of dealing with misconceptions about neurodivergence, and the importance of patience and understanding from dance instructors.This episode highlights the importance of specialized programs that go beyond adaptive dance, aiming to provide serious and skill-focused dance education to neurodivergent individuals. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:39 Meet Amanda and Lita: The Story Behind Autistic Wings Dance Company01:58 Challenges in Traditional Dance Studios04:37 Creating a Neurodiverse-Friendly Dance Curriculum05:40 The Importance of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)07:14 Hiring the Right Teachers for Neurodiverse Students11:00 Overcoming Misconceptions and Building a Supportive Community22:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts25:31 Parenting Power Hour: Join Us!26:15 Highlights and Reflections Get the Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: www.everybrainisdifferent.com/ultimate-guideConnect with Amanda and Leta: Website: https://www.letatapstyles.com/ | https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letatapstylesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@antrisdale | https://www.instagram.com/@letatapstyles | https://www.instagram.com/@autisticwingsdancecompanyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/autisticwingsdance  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent