Monday, 2 March 2026

Walking the ADHD Journey: Lessons in Resilience

 

Presenter: Samaa El Abd

Affiliation: Cromwell Hospital, United Kingdom

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation (Virtual)

Title: Resilience in the journey of a clinician with patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder


🧠 Understanding ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in early childhood and often continues into adolescence and adulthood. It affects attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and activity levels.

While ADHD is commonly discussed in terms of symptoms and treatment protocols, it is much more than a diagnosis—it is a lifelong journey for the young person and an equally meaningful journey for the clinician involved in their care.


👦 The Young Person’s Experience

For children and adolescents, living with ADHD can mean:

·         📚 Difficulty sustaining attention in school

·         Struggles with impulsivity and hyperactivity

·         💬 Social misunderstandings and peer challenges

·         😔 Emotional frustration and reduced self-esteem

Despite these challenges, many young people gradually learn coping strategies. With appropriate support, structure, and understanding, they develop resilience and self-awareness. Their journey involves not only managing symptoms but also discovering strengths, talents, and personal identity.


👩⚕️ The Clinician’s Journey

Treating ADHD is one of the most evidence-based areas in child and adolescent mental health. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have strong scientific support.

However, beyond guidelines and protocols, clinicians experience their own journey alongside patients and families. This includes:

·         🤝 Building long-term therapeutic relationships

·         🧩 Individualizing treatment plans

·         Balancing medication benefits and side effects

·         🧠 Addressing parental concerns and expectations

·         💡 Supporting schools and community systems

The clinician’s resilience is shaped by ongoing collaboration, empathy, and the ability to adapt interventions over time.


🎯 Objectives of This Talk

This session focuses on three core objectives:

1️    Hearing the Patient’s Voice

To understand the day-to-day lived experiences of young people with ADHD—their struggles, adaptations, and successes.

2️    Reflecting on the Clinician’s Perspective

To explore the emotional and professional experiences of clinicians managing ADHD over the long term.

3️    Understanding What Drives Success

To identify factors that influence treatment outcomes, including:

·         💊 Medication-based therapies

·         🧠 Behavioral and psychosocial interventions

·         🏫 School collaboration

·         👨👩👧 Family engagement

·         🔄 Continuity of care


🌟 The Bigger Picture

When ADHD is identified early and managed effectively, outcomes for the individual and their family can be transformative. Academic performance improves, relationships stabilize, and self-confidence grows.

The ADHD journey is therefore not only about symptom reduction—it is about building resilience, strengthening partnerships, and supporting lifelong development.


👩⚕️ About the Speaker

Dr. Samaa El Abd is an Egyptian-British Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with extensive international experience. She has practiced in the UK since 1985 and in Dubai since 2015.She currently works at Happiness Clinic and Cromwell Hospital, and previously held consultant positions at St George’s Hospital Medical School and Maudsley Hospital.

Her clinical focus is on maximizing the potential of children, adolescents, and families—particularly those with special needs. She holds an MSc (Ped), FRCPsych (London), and completed her CCST in the UK. She is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, an honor recognizing distinguished contributions to psychiatry.

From 2004 to 2014, she served as a Visiting Consultant for the Dubai Health Authority, helping establish child mental health services and a neuropsychiatric clinic at Latifa Hospital (formerly Al Wasl Hospital).

Dr. El Abd is also Director of Child and Family Training, a UK-based not-for-profit organization providing training programs and multilingual guides for professionals working with children and families across the UK and internationally.


🌍 Join the Global Conversation

Event: International Conference on Pediatrics, Neonatology & Child Health
📅 March 26–28, 2026
📍 Singapore & Online
🔗 Website: https://pediatrics.miconferences.com/
🔗 Register: https://pediatrics.miconferences.com/register
🔗 Abstract Submission: https://pediatrics.miconferences.com/abstract-submission

📩 Email: pediatrics@mathewsconference.com
📞 Phone: +1 (312) 462-4448
💬 WhatsApp: +1 (424) 377-0967

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