We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

In a world where adversity can define or derail, Rebecca Clark stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration. Born into a fight for life, grappling with autism, and overcoming speech and developmental delays, Rebecca’s story is not just one of survival, but of thriving against the odds.

Her early years were marked by challenges, including being homeschooled to escape bullying. Yet, at 17, she took a bold step into college, later pivoting to earn a diploma in massage therapy in 2008. The birth of her daughter ignited a renewed passion to chase her dream: becoming an occupational therapist. Despite educators doubting her, Rebecca proved them wrong. In 2022, she broke barriers as the first autistic graduate to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy with Phi Theta Kappa honors. Her journey didn’t stop there.

Rebecca’s voice resonated powerfully as she received the TRIO SSS Support Services Achievement of the Year Award in 2022. Her story caught the eye of BPP the Agency, leading her to the pageant world. Breaking stereotypes, she became the first autistic title holder for Miss America Strong, winning first runner-up and fan favorite. Her runway debut in RX Runway’s September 2024 show was another milestone.

Further defying limits, Rebecca was crowned Ms. Arkansas Petite USA 2024, a first for an autistic individual. Beyond the glamor, she hosts “Autism Thought of the Day,” a show that challenges societal norms. Her personal triumph over adversity shines through her role as a Zumba instructor, where she transformed her life by losing 80 pounds through dance. Her spirit of giving back, deeply rooted in her Jewish heritage and experiences of poverty, is evident in her involvement in the WBB network’s “55 Days of Christmas,” bringing joy to underprivileged children and adults.

Rebecca’s professional life is equally inspiring. Working as a massage therapist with Dr. Larsen, she’s on a path to further her mission to aid children with disabilities. Her entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to the Neurodivergent Network and neurodiveristybeauty.com, platforms born from her desire to make a difference for those with disabilities.

Rebecca Clark’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. From near-death at birth to a life filled with purpose and impact, her story is a rallying cry for all generations, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, proving that no dream is too big, and no obstacle insurmountable.

Rebecca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In a world where adversity can define or derail, Rebecca Clark stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration. Born into a fight for life, grappling with autism, and overcoming speech and developmental delays, Rebecca’s story is not just one of survival, but of thriving against the odds.

Her early years were marked by challenges, including being homeschooled to escape bullying. Yet, at 17, she took a bold step into college, later pivoting to earn a diploma in massage therapy in 2008. The birth of her daughter ignited a renewed passion to chase her dream: becoming an occupational therapist. Despite educators doubting her, Rebecca proved them wrong. In 2022, she broke barriers as the first autistic graduate to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy with Phi Theta Kappa honors. Her journey didn’t stop there.

Rebecca’s voice resonated powerfully as she received the TRIO SSS Support Services Achievement of the Year Award in 2022. Her story caught the eye of BPP the Agency, leading her to the pageant world. Breaking stereotypes, she became the first autistic title holder for Miss America Strong, winning first runner-up and fan favorite. Her runway debut in RX Runway’s September 2024 show was another milestone.

Further defying limits, Rebecca was crowned Ms. Arkansas Petite USA 2024, a first for an autistic individual. Beyond the glamor, she hosts “Autism Thought of the Day,” a show that challenges societal norms. Her personal triumph over adversity shines through her role as a Zumba instructor, where she transformed her life by losing 80 pounds through dance. Her spirit of giving back, deeply rooted in her Jewish heritage and experiences of poverty, is evident in her involvement in the WBB network’s “55 Days of Christmas,” bringing joy to underprivileged children and adults.

Rebecca’s professional life is equally inspiring. Working as a massage therapist with Dr. Larsen, she’s on a path to further her mission to aid children with disabilities. Her entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to the Neurodivergent Network and neurodivergentbeauty.com, platforms born from her desire to make a difference for those with disabilities.

Rebecca Clark’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. From near-death at birth to a life filled with purpose and impact, her story is a rallying cry for all generations, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, proving that no dream is too big, and no obstacle insurmountable.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I almost died at birth and I didnt speak until the age of 4. I ended up in speech thepary occupational thepary as well as early childhood interviention. I was homeschooled due to the fact educators wanted to put me in special education not knowing that I was autistic with adhd and a reading disorder. I enrolled in college at the age of 17 to try to pursue my education in occupational thepary. The IPE from arkansas rehab stated that it is not realstic for me to pursue a career in occupational thepary. I took at 10 year break after many health issues with colon cancer and depression. After I had my daughter I enrolled to complete my degree in occupational thepary. I found out my mother didnt file the proper paperwork for home school dimploa so I got my GED in 2014. I also completed my ACT as well along with courses to get accepted into the ota program. I was accepted out of 100 applicants that applied that year. I not only faced domestic viloence and challeges with my mental health during my schooling I also faced discrimation where one fieldwork educator tried to get my kicked out of the occupational thepary assitant program. I had to fight it and prove to my professor I deserved to be there. I ended up winning we had two weeks to find me placement and she found it. I was awared by TRIO Student support services the directors achievement of the year award for my reslience and also honored by Phi theta cappa for my grades. July 2022 I graduated with my associated of applied science in occupational thepary with honors.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe being born with a disablity autism adhd and reading disorder helps me succeed in my field by showing others by example how to overcome there challenges.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: neurodivergentgoddess
• Facebook: Rebecca clark

Image Credits
Jame Holmes is the photographer