Difference Maker Rebecca Tarrant

Meet a North Carolina mother with autism who is building a more inclusive future for neurodivergent children like her son.

For Rebecca Tarrant, the autism diagnosis she received as an adult brought into sharp focus the reasons behind childhood connection misfires and blind spots that often left her feeling different.

Things had already begun coming into focus when she learned her son Jackson was autistic.

Without realizing it, she had already lived a version of the neurodivergent childhood he could face without someone firmly in his corner. Tarrant, who holds a law degree, determined she would passionately advocate for Jackson, and for all the children like him.

From donating inclusive books to Little Free Libraries across Charlotte and beyond, to organizing online celebrations like Neurodivergent Youth Advocacy Day, to founding the nonprofit Autistic Youth International, Tarrant exemplifies what can happen when a mom rolls up her sleeves and begins building the world her son deserves.