Through its Ta’alouf program, Al Jalila Foundation has helped Andreia Sabino Symington better understand the needs of her 19-year-old son, Tomas, who was diagnosed with ADHD, and support his development.
Al Jalila Foundation plays a vital role in enabling Dubai Health’s vision to advance health for humanity through the integration of Care, Learning, Discovery, and Giving.
Through its Ta’alouf Parents Training Program, Andreia participated in six sessions titled “Understanding and Supporting Neurodiversity,” delivered in collaboration with Sage Clinics.
The sessions covered a range of topics related to child development, understanding neurodiversity, managing different behaviors, and developing social communication skills. The training gave Andreia a deeper understanding of her son’s individual needs and practical ways to support him in everyday situations.
Launched by Al Jalila Foundation in 2013, the Ta’alouf program has supported 9,854 parents, educators, and caregivers by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand individual needs and create supportive environments that enable People of Determination to develop their abilities and participate in the community. The program is delivered in English and Arabic and includes specialized training for parents and teachers through the Parents Training Program and Teachers Training Program.
Throughout her son’s childhood, Andreia noticed differences in his behavior but did fully understand his needs or have answers to many of her questions. When he was 17, she took him to Dubai Health’s Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Through the hospital, she learned about Ta’alouf and joined the program two years ago to gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand and support her son.
One of the key lessons Andreia learned was how to balance supporting her son by giving him the space to become more independent. Having previously been closely involved in his life, she learned when to step in with guidance and when to let him make his own decisions.
Andreia expressed her gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation and the Ta’alouf team, commending their efforts to equip families with the knowledge and skills to help their children become more independent and participate more actively in their communities.
She said: “I learned so much from Ta’alouf and gained practical skills that I now use at home with my son. It helped me see his needs differently and understand how my role should evolve as he grows. Now that he is in university, I know when to guide him and when to give him the space to take responsibility and make his own decisions”.
