Neurodivergent by Design with Rebecca Prejean

In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with Rebecca Prejean, an artist, instructional designer, and fierce advocate for neurodivergent people in corporate learning. Based just outside Austin, Texas, Rebecca brings her lived experience as a mother of an autistic child into her work—designing training that's inclusive, accessible, and actually usable by everyone, especially folks with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. She shares the deeply personal story of her son's diagnosis, how doctors told her he would never walk or talk, and how that experience shaped everything that came after. From early struggles to find support and community, to recognizing the same barriers in adult workplaces, Rebecca's path became clear: build better systems that work for more people. They talk about art, chameleons, wild turkeys, cassette tapes, music as a sanctuary, and even egg carving (yes, really). Rebecca reveals her love of coloured pencils, her shifting subject matter—from jungle cats to intimate insects—and how those themes reflect her mission to uplift the unseen. The conversation gets into deep truths about dehumanization, systemic failure, and how families often carry the burden alone. Through it all, Rebecca is real, grounded, and wise beyond the algorithm. Her message to rebels in waiting: "The rebellion is never about you. You're doing it so that others can get the things they need." Her podcast The Quirk Factory is on its way—because the world needs more spaces where quirks don't just belong, they thrive. Quoteable Quotes "The rebellion is never about you." — Rebecca Prejean "We're all people first." — Rebecca Prejean "Even if I don't agree with someone, I should still see them as human." — Rebecca Prejean "The world needs more Rebecca, Rebecca." — Michael Dargie "Egg carving is a thing. And there's a whole expo." — Rebecca Prejean Episode Highlights People First | Designing corporate training for neurodivergent minds Parenting Changed Everything | From diagnosis to advocacy Built Different | Saying what she thought—even as a kid Art as Outlet | How pencils became her safe space From Surgeon to Storyteller | Why that career pivot happened Chameleons & Small Creatures | Drawing the intimate, overlooked animals Authenticity & Protection | Telling her family's story, with care Egg Carving | Yes. Emu eggs. With a Dremel. Musical Escapes | Cassette tapes, clarinet solos, and orchestral joy Travel as a Teacher | Why global perspective matters Launching a Podcast | The Quirk Factory is coming soon Advice to Rebels | It's not about you—it's about the people who need you Links From Episode Rebecca Prejean on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbprejean/) Website (https://www.ebgc.net/)