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Amanda Trisdale — Building a Dance Floor for the Kids Everyone Else Overlooked
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In this heartfelt episode, Michelle sits down with Amanda Trisdale, CEO of Autistic Wings Dance Company, to spotlight what happens when a fierce mom, a fiercely talented daughter, and a fiercely broken system collide—and how they built a sanctuary for neurodivergent dancers when no one else would.
Amanda shares:
💔 Why neurodivergent kids were getting shut out. From being told they must be verbal, potty-trained, and able to sit still—at three—to being denied jazz, tap, or ballet, Amanda knew these so-called “inclusive” studios weren’t built for real kids.
👣 How a 13-year-old designed a better way. Amanda’s daughter Lita insisted every dancer have an IEP. Yes, an IEP for dance. And what started as an idea became a waitlisted, word-of-mouth miracle.
📉 The brutal math behind their pricing. Classes start at $55 per month—not per class—because most families simply can’t afford more. Amanda’s team runs 1:1 sessions that cost more to deliver than they charge, and they're still turning families away because they don’t have space or staff.
🧱 Why they’re raising $2,800/month to survive—and launching a capital campaign to buy a building. The goal? Elopement locks, lights that don’t buzz, small class sizes, and enough dance floors to serve the neurodivergent kids no one else is making room for.
🩰 One nonverbal boy’s breakthrough. When “Otter” joined in January, he didn’t stretch, follow directions, or engage. Now? He’s doing pliés, tendus, and three-point turns—and waking up on class days asking for dance by name.
Quote to tape on the fridge:
“This isn’t just a dance class. It’s the only place some of these kids are seen.”
From her daughter’s first pirouette to a community redefining success beyond applause, Amanda’s story is a masterclass in what happens when families build the system they wish existed.
👤 About Amanda Trisdale
Amanda Trisdale is the CEO of Autistic Wings Dance Company, a nonprofit dance studio founded by her daughter, Lita Rundle. She is also the co-host of Lita Taps Styles, a podcast about autism, artistry, and advocacy—with a splash of humor. Based in Colorado Springs, Amanda is a relentless champion for autistic kids and their families.
🔗 Support Autistic Wings Dance Company
• Donate to the General Fund
• Contribute to the Capital Campaign
• Buy a Tile to Leave a Legacy
• Visit Their Website
• Follow on Facebook
• Instagram: @autisticwingsdancecompany
• Twitter: @autisticwingsdance
#ComplexKidsSimpleSolutions #
Listen to this episode and more at
https://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions
🎧 Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com
Instagram: @michellechoairy
Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group
💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected]
🧠 Want simple tools that actually work?
Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf
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