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!QuestionsJN: When did you realize you weren’t neurotypical?Early exposure to neurodiversity through her younger brother’s autism and ADHD diagnosisStruggled with chronic depression, anxiety, and eating disorders before being diagnosed at 26Diagnosis provided a framework for understanding and supporting herselfJN: How has your diagnosis changed your life?Allowed for self-advocacy and better life choicesStopped forcing socialization and instead focused on deeper, meaningful relationshipsEmbraced special interests, especially learning and neurodivergence researchJN: 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 topicsJN: How does your work align with your passions?FutureTech focuses on neurodivergent-led STEAM education and community capacity buildingAdvocates for shifting the focus from making autistic people fit into neurotypical expectations to celebrating neurodivergent strengthsJN: 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 peopleDeveloped an alternative model emphasizing curiosity, self-advocacy, and interest-driven learningAims to help educators, parents, and workplaces better support neurodivergent individualsJN: 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 sittingOffloads cognitive tasks to external systems to avoid overwhelmJN: What does your morning routine look like?Wakes up early and starts the day with herbal tea, tidying up, and checking emailsUses structured routines to maximize productivity and mental clarityFinds early mornings the best time for deep workJN: How does narcolepsy impact your sleep, and what helps?Struggles with disrupted sleep cycles due to constantly shifting between sleep stagesUses sleep music, hypnosis tracks, and a weighted blanket for better restTakes a mid-day nap to compensate for limited nighttime sleepJN: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?Loves learning, reading, and researching a variety of topics, from neuroscience to economicsEnjoys dancing, especially pole dancing, as a way to stay active and express herselfJN: Where can people connect with you?LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mccash-589b43195FutureTech Website: https://www.futuretechaustralia.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuretechaustraliaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuretechaustralia/JN: Final words for the audience?Find what works for you instead of forcing conventional productivity and relaxation methodsAdvocate for neurodivergent-friendly well-being frameworksLean into your strengths and embrace what makes you uniqueMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/