Episode 75: Rebecca McCash

Welcome to episode #75! We’re thrilled to be joined by Rebecca McCash today.

Rebecca McCash is the founder and CEO of FutureTech Australia, a neurodivergent-led social enterprise focused on inspiring the next generation of neurodivergent minds. FutureTech provides STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) social and learning opportunities designed and delivered by neurodivergent individuals.

Rebecca is also an inclusion consultant for ASPEC’s Autism Friendly team, a member of Catalyst 2030, CECNA, and the Australian National Autism Strategy Economic Inclusion Working Group. With nearly a decade of experience in the disability sector, Rebecca is passionate about genuine co-design, neurodivergent well-being, and creating inclusive learning environments.

Welcome to the show, Rebecca!

Questions

JN: When did you realize you weren’t neurotypical?

• Early exposure to neurodiversity through her younger brother’s autism and ADHD diagnosis
• Struggled with chronic depression, anxiety, and eating disorders before being diagnosed at 26
• Diagnosis provided a framework for understanding and supporting herself

JN: How has your diagnosis changed your life?

• Allowed for self-advocacy and better life choices
• Stopped forcing socialization and instead focused on deeper, meaningful relationships
• Embraced special interests, especially learning and neurodivergence research

JN: What are your thoughts on the term "special interests"?

• Doesn’t mind it but acknowledges some prefer "obsessions" or "passions"
• Finds joy in deep-diving into interests like penguins, research, and STEAM topics

JN: How does your work align with your passions?

• FutureTech focuses on neurodivergent-led STEAM education and community capacity building
• Advocates for shifting the focus from making autistic people fit into neurotypical expectations to celebrating neurodivergent strengths

JN: What is the neurodivergent well-being framework you’re working on?

• Traditional well-being metrics (e.g., academic achievement) don’t fully apply to neurodivergent people
• Developed an alternative model emphasizing curiosity, self-advocacy, and interest-driven learning
• Aims to help educators, parents, and workplaces better support neurodivergent individuals

JN: What productivity strategies work for you?

• Uses extensive safety nets like calendar blocking, structured environments, and automation tools (e.g., Calendly)
• Finds body doubling unhelpful but thrives with task chunking and completing work in one sitting
• Offloads cognitive tasks to external systems to avoid overwhelm

JN: What does your morning routine look like?

• Wakes up early and starts the day with herbal tea, tidying up, and checking emails
• Uses structured routines to maximize productivity and mental clarity
• Finds early mornings the best time for deep work

JN: How does narcolepsy impact your sleep, and what helps?

• Struggles with disrupted sleep cycles due to constantly shifting between sleep stages
• Uses sleep music, hypnosis tracks, and a weighted blanket for better rest
• Takes a mid-day nap to compensate for limited nighttime sleep

JN: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

• Loves learning, reading, and researching a variety of topics, from neuroscience to economics
• Enjoys dancing, especially pole dancing, as a way to stay active and express herself

JN: Where can people connect with you?

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mccash-589b43195
• FutureTech Website: https://www.futuretechaustralia.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuretechaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuretechaustralia/

JN: Final words for the audience?

• Find what works for you instead of forcing conventional productivity and relaxation methods
• Advocate for neurodivergent-friendly well-being frameworks
• Lean into your strengths and embrace what makes you unique

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LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy

Email: jeremy@focusbear.io

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