By Rhonda Massad
Children with attention deficit hyper disorder, ADHD, have some very positive attributes like unlimited energy, playfulness, honesty and optimism. There are attributes that are more challenging for these kids, like the ability to sit still during learning and difficulty concentrating.
This can make coping with ordinary life more difficult for families. A support group has come together, being lead by Monica Karam, mom of two ADHD children, who moved to Dollard des Ormeaux from Dubai last year.
“In Dubai, I simply googled ‘ADHD support group’ and I found the local group quickly,” Monica Karam founder of the group told The Suburban in an interview,” when we moved here my second child was diagnosed and I missed the support of other families dealing with the same issues.”
“With younger children learning is a struggle, doing homework,” she explained,”if he is not on his meds it is difficult to take him out to public places. Parents without ADHD kids do not really get it, which is why we need the support of others who are going through or have gone through the same experience. We share tips, get advice or just listen.”
According to Karam, three months ago she decided to take matters into her own hands and started a Facebook page for ADHD families. The page is restricted to those who are going through a screening process to give followers a sense of privacy. There are almost 150 members already.
The group has held two meetings so far with more than 20 members each month. “We will have a specialist speak at each meeting,” she explained,” October is ADHD awareness month and the topic we chose to cover was individual education program IEP. Each child has specific needs when it comes to schooling and each school has different resources.”
“Sharyn Timerman, child behavior specialist and councilor at The Early Years Inc., Robin Bernstein, ADHD coach Brightside learning and Gamoon Lau of Educate Montreal have all been instrumental in getting the group off the ground.”
Karam expressed with gratitude that “the city of Dollard des Ormeaux was so encouraging they gave us the Westminster chalet free of charge for six months to help us out.”
The group plans to meet the last Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be held on October 30, in Dollard’s Westminster chalet. More information can be found by contacting Monica Karam at monica.karam@hotmail.com or visiting the group’s Facebook page called ADHD support group for parents-West Island.
