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 More from Focus Bear: Website: https://focusbear.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp Twitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/ Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.io Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear Connect with Jeremy: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy Email:
[email protected] Connect with Joey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/ Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/
