ShareKUWAIT: Seeking early diagnoses of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) for children without hesitation or stigma is important for understanding the underlying causes of their unusual behaviors and providing effective management strategies, according to Amal Al-Sayer, founder and chair of Kuwaiti Association for Learning Differences (KALD). During an ADHD awareness campaign at The Avenues mall on Tuesday, hosted by KALD, Sayer urged parents who may doubt that their children are diagnosed ADHD to “please rely on credible sources and specialists for advice. Don’t simply accept guidance from neighbors or settle for information you read in magazine articles.”
She also encouraged parents to request personalized plans tailored to their child’s unique needs, noting that ADHD can manifest differently in each individual and affect people from childhood into adulthood. Dr Issa Al-Jassem, vice president of the Kuwait Society for Learning Differences, reported that the global prevalence of ADHD ranges from 3 percent to 5 percent. On a local level, he announced that KALD has recently completed a comprehensive survey on the prevalence of ADHD among children in Kuwait, with results expected to be released soon.
The disorder, he stated, is linked to a neurological imbalance in children and can often be observed as early as ages of three to four, with a higher prevalence in boys. In contrast, “girls often manage to control their behavior due to societal pressures surrounding discipline and self-control,” he said. Jassem emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, particularly in kindergarten, to ensure that children receive appropriate support before reaching adulthood, thereby reducing the risk of misunderstanding, unfair treatment, or academic failure.
However, he cautioned against misinterpreting hyperactive behaviors as ADHD, highlighting the need for official diagnoses from specialized centers, which can differentiate between temporary behaviors influenced by external factors and more permanent disorders. While Dr Jassem acknowledged that hyperactivity may persist even after treatment, he noted that children can learn to refine and better control their behaviors.
In discussing available resources, Sayer highlighted several centers in Kuwait that offer ADHD accurate tests and diagnostic services, including public mental health centers, Al-Manara Center for Mental Health for Children and Adolescents, the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities, and various private hospital centers. She also announced KALD’s plans to open its own diagnostic unit to enhance early detection efforts.
