In this episode, we’re in the theater chatting with Janeen’s daughter, Rebekah, who has returned to the podcast for the second time after several years. Rebekah, now 24 years old, shared her journey from being a theater-loving kid to a young adult navigating life with neurodiversity. As our new Creative Consultant at Autism Blueprint, Rebekah discussed her experiences growing up with a brother diagnosed with autism and how it shaped her perspective on her own neurodiversity.
In This Episode
Rebekah opened up about her struggles with self-consciousness, social pressures, and the challenges of maintaining relationships while dealing with ADHD and potential autism. She shared insights into her unique experiences in the arts, highlighting how theater provided structure, socialization, and a sense of belonging that helped her cope with her neurodivergent traits.
The conversation delved into Rebekah’s time in New York pursuing a musical theater education, where she faced financial struggles and the transition from structured school environments to the uncertainties of adult life. Rebekah candidly discussed the impact of societal expectations, individualism, and the importance of patience and belief in individuals with neurodiversity.
As Rebekah prepares for an upcoming assessment to determine her neurodivergent profile, she emphasized the significance of understanding and meeting the accommodations needed by individuals with neurodiversity.
Rebekah’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating neurodiversity, and her openness and insights provide valuable perspectives for listeners seeking to understand and support neurodivergent individuals in their lives.
Meet Rebekah Herskovitz
Rebekah Herskovitz is a theater graduate who has been studying voice and musical theater since she was five years old. She is a graduate of the Florida School of the Arts in Palatka and Circle in the Square Theater School in NYC. Her credits include performances in Macbeth, Gypsy, Company, and she had the honor of performing at Feinsteins 54 Below in 2022. She currently serves as a Creative Consultant at Autism Blueprint.
Rebekah proudly identifies as “neurospicy” and enjoys cooking, video games, music of all genres, and hanging out with friends. Her mom, Janeen Herskovitz, is the creator and host of the Autism Blueprint Podcast. Janeen would like to sincerely thank Rebekah for sharing her story in this episode.
Check out Rebekah’s previous episode from 2017. (NOTE: This episode is no longer available on Apple Podcasts but can be found on our website)
This episode is sponsored by Hopscotch Play
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