Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Science for Women, Professor Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim, the Continuing Education Unit, in collaboration with the Media and Government Communication Division, organized an awareness workshop entitled “Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)”. The workshop was presented by Haneen Mazloum Saqi, Director of Al-Siraj Al-Muneer Center for Autism.
The event was attended by a number of faculty members, staff, and students of the college.
The primary aim of the workshop was to provide up-to-date scientific information in an accessible manner on the nature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It sought to clarify the similarities and differences between the two conditions and to explain how to accurately distinguish their symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
The workshop also addressed various contributing factors, including biological, genetic, and environmental causes of these disorders. It further discussed the brain mechanisms affected by them, as well as their impact on behavior, learning, and cognitive abilities. The session featured illustrative case studies and models, and reviewed psychological and educational support methods proven effective according to the latest scientific research.
Particular emphasis was placed on the critical role of the family, educators, and behavioral therapists in supporting affected children and helping them overcome the challenges they face in both school and home environments.
The workshop witnessed strong attendance and active engagement from participants, marked by fruitful discussions and insightful questions from the audience, which enriched the workshop and added a practical dimension to the experience.
The workshop concluded with several key recommendations, highlighting the importance of collaboration between educational and health institutions to develop sustainable programs for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Participants also advocated for the continuation of such activities to foster an informed society capable of addressing the challenges posed by developmental disorders.
This workshop contributes to achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being – ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
