Meet Rebecca Smith, our passionate and insightful Autism Specialist Advisor. In this interview, Rebecca opens up about her personal journey with autism, from receiving a late diagnosis at 27 to embracing her identity and strengths. She shares how her experiences have shaped her drive to support others—both through her role at Autism West Midlands and as the founder of her own mental health non-profit, Cognitive Toolbox.
Q. Can you tell us more about your personal experience with autism?
A. I love being autistic because I see the world in a different way, and this can be really beneficial in a lot of ways. I feel I am incredibly empathetic, creative and feel that problem solving is my biggest strength. However, it can be hard to navigate through the world with autism, as it sometimes feels like you’re giving 100% effort but you still get things wrong or don’t understand situations.
Q. When did you receive your diagnosis?
A. I received my diagnosis in October 2024 at 27 years old. Being late diagnosed can be difficult but also after you receive that diagnosis, it can start the process of healing and reflecting on past experiences in life.
Q. Can you tell us more about the charity you are setting up? (What will it be, who will it support, what made you want to do this)
A. I am the founder and director of a non-profit called ‘Cognitive Toolbox’. My goal is to give people immediate mental health and wellbeing support. I have always struggled with anxiety and depression and plan to share information and techniques that helped me. Being autistic and running this non-profit is a lot of hard work but I know how impactful the right support can be.
Q. What do you think is a real strength of your autism? And what is more of a barrier?
A. I couldn’t imagine my life if I didn’t have autism. I always try to use the attitude of ‘there’s always another way’ and I feel this has made me resilient and open minded when dealing with any barriers that I face. This attitude meant I could live independently in university, live and work in China and now run my own non-profit. It takes a lot of energy and self care is important, but can mean you can achieve what you want to do in life.
