Manila, Philippines (October 5, 2020) – The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) leads this year’s National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) celebration on October 16-22 pursuant to Proclamation No. 472 (2003) – “Declaring Every Third Week of October and Every Year Thereafter as the “National Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” directing ADHD Society Philippines to spearhead the celebration in partnership with various government and nongovernment organizations and Persons with Disability Affairs Offices of the local government units.
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate impulsivity, inattention and in some cases hyperactivity. These people are mostly undiagnosed and may be experiencing difficulties and at times, serious problems, in their school and home environments.
This year’s theme dubbed as “Converse, Control, Connect”, it aims to rebuild connections through the use of social media and online means for the persons with ADHD to attend free seminars, classes and skills trainings.
According to Executive Director Emerito L. Rojas, who will grace the occasion, Webinars will be conducted to present the topics on “What is ADHD”, “Parental Support and Guide for Parents and Carers of Children with ADHD”, “Checking the Mental Health of Persons with ADHD and their Families”, “Understanding Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at An Early Age”, “Supporting the Needs of Persons with ADHD in the Homefront”, “Understanding your ADHD Child’s World Home Setting” and Philippine Laws and Policies on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” by health and disability experts whose aims include among others, (1) to determine the extent of prevalence of individuals with ADHD in the country and to fully equip the parents and their families in dealing with such conditions as well as the proper management and care for persons with ADHD to improve and strengthen their physical deficits, and (2) provide knowledge on how children and adults with ADHD can fully participate in life situations and everyday activities within their families and in the communities.
Expected participants are doctors, therapists, parents, social workers, teachers, local service providers and duty bearers, among others. The online weeklong activities can be viewed at the NCDA website www.ncda.gov.ph and/or facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nationalcouncilondisabilityaffairs.
Director Rojas also added ADHD isn’t a deficit. Those who have been diagnosed with ADHD should celebrate it. The gift has its challenges — and we have to work around those challenges.”
Refences:
JEMELLEE P. AGUILAR
ncda.jemellee@gmail.com
EMERITO L. ROJAS