Children with ADHD - Is there help here in Qatar?
By MikaylasMom •
We think my 3 year old may have ADHD. Is there a place here that can diagnose this and treat for it? What about child psychologists? Any help would be greatly appreciated because we are at our wits end.
Thanks!
To the best of my knowledge, an official diagnosis of ADD/ADHD must be made by a pediatrician or psychiatrist (a medical doctor).
Usually, you (parents) will need to fill out an observational checklist on your child's abilities and behaviors, and they will also ask for one to be done in the child's school setting (if he goes to one) by his teacher.
If a diagnosis is made, and if medication is recommended, it IS available here in Doha. They do, however, strictly control it and I think they only issue you a month's supply at a time (that used to be the case, at least...).
There ARE professionals in Doha who can diagnose ADHD. The Doha Clinic employs a psychiatrist, and there are private individuals in town who are qualified and licensed (in their home countries) to diagnose ADHD.
You should know, however, that many international schools in Doha are wary of accepting children who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD. In my experience, a lot of teachers are armchair diagnosticians, and if they think your child is a behavior issue, and if you don't agree to get him evaluated/medicated, you'll be butting heads with the school admin repeatedly.
Just tread carefully, as getting your kids into a good school here is already such a hassle on so many counts.
Good luck!