Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 75: Rebecca McCash

Feb 15, 2025

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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