.... Who is Glenda
Meet the woman behind The Dragon Speaks
Glenda is the driving force behind The Dragon Speaks. She is the one you will talk to on the phone and the one who drives us all forward. Her passion is unmistakable when you meet her. We thought we would spend a few moments introducing her to you.
Why is neurodiversity your passion?
I have always struggled with life, feeling like I don't fit in both personally and professionally. Growing up, I struggled with friendships but achieved well at school. I hoped to go to university but couldn't manage to leave home at 18, so I went to work for 4 years before plucking up the courage to go to university, where I trained to be a teacher. I loved teaching and was excellent with challenging children, although the staff room politics left me bewildered and an outsider. Dyslexia and ADHD were just coming on the radar, but most challenging children were just deemed naughty. It wasn't until I had my own boys I learnt more about Autism. Both my sons present very differently. Both are very bright, but one is insular, hates physical contact even from us, wears headphones to block out life, and when the stress gets too much, has full blown meltdowns. The other one hates to appear different and masks exceptionally well. He doesn't have classic meltdowns but switches off, becomes depressed, and can't get out of bed. He is also selective mute and has a profile of PDA and ADHD. Both are at university studying Computer Games Programming, one at Masters level. Both have struggled and still do. I myself was diagnosed after my boys at the age of 50, following a huge meltdown over an operation I was scheduled for. Strangely, it was quite liberating. I was able to forgive myself for struggling socially, and this gave me more confidence. I guess this lived experience of challenges that have at times felt like brick walls to break through has led me to have a passion to find out all I can about neurodiversity and improve the chances of others with similar difficulties.
Why the Dragon Speaks?
As the boys got older and reached the age of finding jobs, the problems for them increased. Both would like jobs but don't have the confidence to apply for even part-time work. Aware of the poor statistics for neurodiverse adults getting a job and knowing the emotional toll working put on me, I really didn't want my boys to suffer as I had or just be a statistic. Through my background in education, I was aware things were changing in education, with better training of teachers and some great research; however, when it came to adults, things were not so good. This led me to set up The Dragon Speaks with the aim of improving the working environment for neurodiverse adults.
What is your professional background?
I trained as a teacher and worked a lot with special needs children. I am also a qualified swimming teacher and coach. I have a number of professional training courses on special needs, in particular neurodiversity and I also have a BEd (Hons) and an MA in Educational Management and am working towards a Doctorate where I am researching Neurodiversity in the workplace. I also have mentoring and counselling qualifacitons.
WHAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING?
If you don't mean the dog it is a passion to ensure others don't struggle in the same way I have.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family and Tala, our tiny Pomeranian. We often go out to castles, wildlife parks and gardens, anywhere the wheelchair can go. I also have a passion for photography and a keen interest in sewing and craft.
