The Second Saudi International Conference on ADHD

Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawwaf bin Abdulaziz

Date: 25-29 October 2008
Venue: Tuwaiq Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Target Audience: Parents, Caregivers, Educators, Professionals & Individuals with ADHD

Welcome

Dear Friends,

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”

I invite you to the 2008 2nd International Symposium for ADHD. Since 2004’s 1st international symposium on ADHD, four years have passed very quickly but filled with great growth and success; 2004 was the year the ADHD support group had been founded, since then the group has expanded and has walked among multiple roads to reach its goals in improving the lives of ADHD children in Saudi Arabia. There was many work and lectures, behavior sessions and working groups with our target audience, the children, their families, educators and health care professionals.

The national ADHD project was a seed planted during 2004’s symposium, nourished by the group until it became almost a reality. The journey with our media partners had been instrumental in supporting ADHD group efforts to improve awareness. 2004 Symposium was the 1st of its kind in the whole Arab world opening the path which was closed for ADHD Awareness.

In 2008 symposium, although there is no abstract submitted, but there is a wide variety of activities for parents, educators and media group which are few steps ahead of 2004’s ADHD symposium. The educators awareness, is not just the goal but making trainers what is expected for the cycle of education to continue forever. The kids are in the center of the events with our workshop. The symposium has many exciting and interesting social activities. With many of the national and international groups in the community invited to attend.

The symposium will be held for the 1st time under the patron of His Excellency, Prince Mohammed Bin Nawwaf bin Abdulaziz Saudi Ambassador for UK and Ireland, and also one of the major advocate for ADHD in Saudi Arabia, with his support we are sure to reach our goal of setting their children on a path of success and innovation. Come join us and you will have great education and enjoyment. A warm welcome to our international speakers, who traveled long distance to be with us and will help us to train educators and parents, to establish long and successful journey of collaboration with our colleague in United States and around the globe.

Dr Suad Al Yamani
Organising Committee Chair

An Open Letter to Conference Attendees:

My family and I are honored by your invitation to come to Saudi Arabia and tell you all we have learned about ADHD. Each of us has experienced the challenges of living with ADHD and will share scientific information plus our personal experiences of its day-to day challenges. The four books I have written have been based upon my professional training and experience as a former teacher, school psychologist, mental health counselor, director of a children’s mental health program, and most importantly being the mother of three grown children with ADHD. My son, Alex Zeigler, and I coauthored a book on ADHD for children and young adults plus he is producing our new ADHD video. My sister, Dr. Billie Abney and I provide training on ADHD throughout the country for teachers.

Parent Program: The program for parents will provide basic information that every parent must know in order to cope successfully with this disorder. Specifically, ten key ADHD facts will be discussed including less well-known issues such as common learning problems and the key role of deficits in executive functions. In addition, current research on the brain, the role of neurotransmitters, coexisting conditions, and a medication update will be provided. Time will also be allotted for questions plus short videos of teens and an adult doctor talking about their personal ADHD challenges.

Teacher Program: The teacher training component will provide comprehensive in-depth information about key ADHD issues and how they impact learning: 1) an overview of ADHD and it’s impact on school performance; 2) an update on medication; 3) common learning problems; 4) the profound impact of deficits in executive function on learning and school performance; 5) best practice teaching strategies; 6) specific academic intervention strategies; 7) effective behavioral strategies; 8) best treatment practices; 9) direct communication by Skype webcam between teachers at the conference and teachers in Dalton, Georgia, USA.; and finally 10) an opportunity to prepare for presenting this ADHD information to others.

In closing, I’d like to convey how impressed we are with your leadership in the Middle East in educating others about the significant challenges facing those who live with ADHD. Our children can be successful, productive individuals if we provide the proper treatment and loving support plus provide ADHD education for parents, our children, and teachers. This conference is a significant milestone in that process. Congratulations again for your leadership in this area!

Sincerely

Chris Zeigler Dendy
On behalf of Dr. Billie Abney and Alex Zeigler

Scientific Program