Amal Al Sayer advocates for awareness of hyperactivity and attention disorders
The founder of the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences stressed the need for parents to seek early diagnosis without shame, as it helps identify the disorder’s causes and develop effective strategies.
• Amal Ahmed Al Sayer, founder of the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences announced plans to establish a special diagnostic unit for the KALD, which will enhance efforts for early detection of the hyperactivity and attention disorder.
Amaal Ahmed Al Sayer, founder of the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences (KALD), emphasized the importance of raising community awareness about hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders, as reported by Al Qabas newspaper.
This was stated by the newspaper during the launch of the awareness campaign on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder at The Avenues Complex, attended by several specialists and stakeholders in this field.
She emphasized the importance of encouraging parents to seek early diagnosis without shame, as early diagnosis aids in understanding the causes of the disorder and developing appropriate strategies to address it. She announced plans to establish a special diagnostic unit for the Kuwait Society for Learning Differences (KALD), which will enhance efforts for early detection of the disorder.
She highlighted ongoing comprehensive survey studies in Kuwait regarding the prevalence of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder among students, noting that results will be available soon.
Al-Sayer pointed out the significant increase in family and community awareness about hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders, as evidenced by parents’ eagerness to monitor the condition of their children affected by these disorders and seek therapeutic centers that help them adapt and modify their behavior through integrated educational programs.
No to shame
She advised parents not to feel ashamed of the educational disabilities some children experience, encouraging them to accept their children’s challenges and focus on their strengths by refining and developing their talents.
She pointed out that this year’s campaign emphasizes adults, noting a common misconception that ADHD is solely a childhood disorder when it also affects adults.
Availability of various treatments
Amal Al-Sayer stressed the importance of comprehensive diagnosis that goes beyond intelligence tests. Such assessments should be conducted by doctors, psychologists, and educational specialists to determine the type and severity of the disorder and to provide individualized plans for each child based on their specific needs. She highlighted the availability of various treatments—psychological, cognitive, and pharmaceutical—and the importance of collaborating with specialists in this field.
Boys more likely to face attention deficit disorder challenges
Dr. Issa Al-Jassim, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the KALD, referred to the global prevalence of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, which ranges between 3% and 5%.
However, he noted that a study in Kuwait has not yet released final results, particularly regarding the classification of cases as severe, moderate, or mild.
In a statement to Al-Qabas newspaper, Al-Jassimexplained that this disorder is more commonly observed in boys, while girls tend to have better control over their behaviors.
