Saudi Woman Starts Project to Aid Children with ADHD
DAMMAM — A Saudi woman has launched a project to assist children suffering from simple cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Al-Hayat daily reported.
Melhah Al-Qahtani said such children are not accepted at schools and their conditions do not call for admitting them into centers where children with other more serious disabilities are taught.
The project is called "My childhood rights" and it begins with a survey of such children who do not know their rights. The project seeks to educate the children on their rights and how to claim these rights in a proper way.
“A number of families cannot find private or government schools that accept their children. The project seeks to pay attention to children who are finding difficulties in schools and to find the appropriate solutions for them,” she said.
“Special programs are designed for such children, employing a specialist alongside the teacher to facilitate any difficulties and help children to mix and mingle with their companions. In addition, the project seeks to improve articulation skills of such children by developing their language abilities,” she added.
The project is funded by Prince Sultan Fund for Women’s Development (PSFW).
The fund's deputy secretary-general, Hana'a Al-Zuhair, said the project was in response to the development needs of society. She said children should be educated on their rights, which is currently lacking in society.
“The project is to assist families who have children with simple cases of ADHD who need a suitable environment to educate them. Children who do not mix with others risk being isolated and this can cause further problems down the road,” she said.
Many citizens have complained to the Ministry of Education in the Eastern Province that their children are not accepted in government schools. Private schools are often reluctant to accept children with learning disabilities due to fears that they might annoy other students.
Saudi Gazette
