Amal Al-Sayer: Awareness of ADHD Goes Beyond Symptom Understanding to Empowering Patients

Nada Abu Nasr: Amani Al-Sayer, President of the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences (KALD), affirmed that raising awareness about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a crucial step toward understanding the needs of those affected and providing them with support in education and beyond, thereby enhancing their ability to achieve their aspirations and integrate into society.

Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of the association’s awareness booth for the disorder at The Avenues Mall, Al-Sayer noted that the event concludes a month of activities coinciding with the global awareness month in October. She explained that the association organizes awareness programs throughout the year and intensifies its efforts during this month to reach the widest possible audience.

Al-Sayer clarified that ADHD is not limited to difficulties with concentration or hyperactivity; it may also involve challenges in executive functions, which include time and task management, planning, decision-making, and emotional regulation as well as healthy expression of feelings. This underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the nature of the disorder and its impact on a child’s life at home, school, and in the community.

She emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention, highlighting their role in identifying a child’s needs and providing appropriate support. She called on parents not to interpret unusual behaviors as deliberate acts, but rather to seek their underlying causes, understand the challenges the child may face, and consult specialists when necessary. This approach helps boost the child’s self-confidence and assists them in overcoming difficulties.

She added that signs of the disorder may appear in early childhood and their effects can persist into later stages of life, making awareness of its nature and proper management essential. She stressed that children need an environment that listens to them, understands their needs, and provides psychological and educational support to facilitate learning, growth, and success.

She noted that, as part of its campaign, the association offers awareness activities, educational materials, and sessions for parents, alongside specialized consulting services and initial assessments of academic and psychological indicators. These initiatives aim to strengthen families’ ability to understand their children’s needs and foster partnership between families and schools in providing a more inclusive educational and social environment that respects individual differences and supports each child’s potential.

In a related development, Al-Sayer announced the launch of the sixth edition of the “KALD Outstanding Teacher Award” for the 2026–2027 academic year, in recognition of teachers who adopt innovative educational practices that accommodate learning differences and individual variations among students, helping them develop their skills and leverage their abilities to enhance their opportunities for learning, integration, and academic success.

Al-Sayer expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation to Al-Mabani Company and The Avenues Mall management for hosting the booth and supporting the campaign. She praised the efforts of sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the initiative, and commended the role of the Ministry of Information and the Press, as well as Kuwaiti media outlets, in raising awareness and highlighting social and volunteer issues.