Conference on ADHD, dyslexia held at AKUH

It focused on different therapies and learning styles

KARACHI: The Kazim Trust held its third annual conference on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia at the Aga Khan University Hospital Saturday. The conference was attended by parents, doctors, students of psychology and teachers of various schools.



The conference included sessions on a variety of topics related to ADHD and dyslexia. The conference not only created awareness regarding these disorders but also highlighted the reality of learning difficulties in children with such conditions and how parents, teachers and caregivers can empower and manage them. Different therapies and learning styles in relation to ADHD and dyslexia were also discussed at the conference by the panel along with parental counselling.

Speaking on this occasion, Kazim Anwar, founding trustee of the Kazim Trust, in his recorded video message stated, "We at Kazim Trust truly believe that ADHD and dyslexia should never restrict the academic, social and psychological development of any child who may have a learning difficulty.” He added that these children have the potential to succeed in any endeavours with confidence if they are provided a positive learning environment.



"Children with ADHD are generally marginalised at schools and stigmatised at home and by the community for not being ‘normal’. The fact is that they can range from normal to brilliant,” said Dr Neelofer Vazir, adviser to the Kazim Trust. “Therefore, there is an urgent need for teachers and parents to identify the symptoms of ADHD as soon as possible so that this neurological disorder is addressed at its earliest. The Kazim Trust can and does create identification through guidance, testing and analysis, and create awareness of emerging issues in children,” she explained. She added that the trust offers remedial therapy to these children as well as guidance and counselling for parents through teacher workshops, street plays, lectures and conferences.

Speakers at the conference included clinical psychologists Hafsa Rafiq and Farah Aftab as well as remedial therapists Areeba Rehman and Anum Mehmood. Cindy Goldrich, an international coach and author of 'Eight Keys to Parenting ADHD', also participated in the conference by shedding light on new and effective techniques for parents to manage children with ADHD.