24 October 2016 — The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane conducted a seminar on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for 66 Filipino community members to raise awareness among the Filipinos about ADHD on October 19.

The seminar, which aimed to provide information on ADHD, was conducted by Ms. Misouda Heuangsoukkhoun, Secretary General of the Lao Association for Autism (AfA), and Ms. Sharon Gorton, Special Education Advisor in the AfA.

The AfA has been active in Lao PDR in informing the general public in the country about the different types of Autism, as well as other disorders that may fall in the spectrum.

During the seminar, the speakers discussed what ADHD is, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and how to provide support to those with ADHD. The speakers also identified the positive traits of those with ADHD, such as creativity and flexibility and entertained questions from the participants. The seminar also provided an opportunity for the participants to share their experiences and insights with regard to ADHD.

The seminar coincided with National Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Week, which is observed during the third week of October of every year by virtue of Proclamation No. 472 signed on September 18, 2003. The theme of the 2016 ADHD Awareness Week is, “Turning Disability to This Ability”. END