An inspirational 20-year-old autistic woman from Wimbledon will be awarded a prestigious medal by the King for her services to young people with disabilities.
Rebecca Clarke, who has lived in Wimbledon all her life and was educated at Holy Trinity CofE Primary School and Wimbledon High School, has been named as a recipient of a British Empire Medal (BEM) in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List.
Recipients in the New Year Honours List are awarded for their outstanding contributions to British society. Rebecca’s award recognises her commitment to voluntary and advisory work for young people’s disability organisations, including Ambitious about Autism.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. Rebecca has been involved with the charity since 2021 and serves as a member of its Youth Council, a group of autistic young people who ensure the charity’s work reflects the views and needs of autistic children and young people.
Through the charity, Rebecca has played a key role advising decision-makers on the key issues affecting autistic children and young people and their families. She has also spoken to businesses to improve knowledge and understanding of autism in the workplace.
Recently, Rebecca helped to produce the charity’s preventative mental health programme, Autistic and OK, which is an educational toolkit designed to help improve autistic young people’s wellbeing. Rebecca was involved in designing the programme’s modules and provides training to schools on how to deliver them.
Alongside her admirable charitable efforts, Rebecca has been studying for a Biomedical Engineering degree at Kings College London. She is currently in her second year of study.
Rebecca said: “I am incredibly excited and honoured to be receiving this award. It has given me so much more confidence about the impact I am having, and a renewed sense of energy and motivation to continue working to improve society for disabled people, including autistic people.”
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Rebecca dedication to amplifying the voices of autistic children and young people is inspirational, and we want to congratulate her on this award which is thoroughly deserved.”
Rebecca’s honour also recognises her work with charities Whizz Kidz and the Disabled Children’s Partnership.