ADHD Malta training for parents and kids

ADHD Malta, in collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malta, is organising two training programmes, one for parents of children with ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) titled Parent Training 2020, and the other for their children titled Social Smarts 2020.

The parental skills course is based on the Barnardo’s parental skills course (UK) and adapted according to scientifically proven best practices for these parents by Ms Giannella Attard, INCO occupational therapist, ADHD adult coach and parent of children with ADHD. The course, spread over eight sessions of two hours each, will be in Maltese and English.

There are to be two groups: one with sessions on Mondays from 6-8 p.m., starting on 13 January, and the other on Saturdays from 4.30-6.30 p.m., starting on 18 January. Child-minding will be provided. The course costs €30 (€50 per couple), which is refundable on completion of the course. Contact: giannellaOT@gmail.com or 99827780.

The Social Smarts course is aimed at children with ADHD aged 7-12 and will cover topics on self-care, communication, socialisation, emotions and problem solving with elements of mindfulness. There are to be 10 sessions of one and a half hours each, with the first introductory session being held on 29 November 2019 at 5.30 p.m.

Participants will then be divided into two groups with the remaining nine sessions being held every Saturday from 18 January 2020. Sessions of Group 1 start at 9.30 a.m. and those of Group 2 start at 11 a.m.

The course costs €30 (refundable on attendance of eight of the 10 sessions) and can be paid at the introductory meeting. Contact: adhdmalta@gmail.com or 79395969/79252917.

Both the courses for parents and those for the children are being held at the new RMHC Centre in Qawra (opposite the football ground). They are being offered to members of ADHD Malta, which you are free to join before enrolling for the course.

ADHD is a complex disorder that affects people differently. Generally, people experience problems in daily life, especially with respect to controlling attention, impulses and emotions. At the same time, people with ADHD enjoy creativity and positive energy. Medication is effective for many people with ADHD, but not for all. A downside of the medication is that it needs to be taken every day, and it does not cure someone from the disorder. Other types of treatment should therefore also be offered and investigated.