Theo, 11, loves science, maths and exploring the mysteries of the underwater world. He also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. While he can focus intently on beloved subjects, the ADHD poses challenges, too.
“It makes me get distracted easily and lose focus a lot,” says Theo. “Removing distractions and having brain breaks — when I get a short time to do what I want for a bit — helps.”
Theo is one of many children in the UAE who need additional support at school because they don't learn in the typical way. According to a report published in 2020 in the British Medical Bulletin, between 15 and 20 per cent of the global population are neurodiverse, meaning they process the world differently. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as dyslexia, autism and ADHD.
Find out whether a child with autism is sensitive to certain sounds or fabrics, then remove or reduce any that cause discomfort
Eman Abushabab,
community awareness manager and behaviour analyst, Dubai Autism Centre
When Theo was formally diagnosed at the age of eight, it almost came as a relief to his mother, Simone, 35. It meant the family finally had answers and “a starting point for getting Theo the additional support he needed”, she says.
But most children with ADHD symptoms aren’t getting the right treatment, according to a study published in Jama Network Open last month, which recognised there is “an urgent need” to increase awareness.
Dr Suzette Ebersohn, an educational psychologist at KidsFirst medical centre in Abu Dhabi, says there are different types of ADHD. “A child with an inattentive type is often late and forgetful,” she explains. “He or she faces difficulties following instructions and finds it hard to complete tasks if not interested.
“The children with the hyperactive-impulsive type fidget frequently and might walk around during a lesson, interrupt others and generally have excess energy.”
A combination of both types is most common among children with ADHD, she says.
After his diagnosis, Theo received medication and support from educational psychologists, occupational therapists and specialist teachers at school. Over the years, he’s made great strides, says Simone, who wants people to know children with additional needs have their strengths and can thrive with the right support.
Ebersohn says focusing on a child’s strengths and establishing an individual education plan are essential. An IEP is a tailored programme of learning, including classroom activities, strategies for adjusting the way the classroom is set up, work assignments, instructions and tools to meet a child’s needs.
“Concentrate on a child’s strengths, not weaknesses,” says Ebersohn. “A quote often attributed to Albert Einstein is: ‘Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.’”
Cultivating a culture of deep-seated acceptance at school can open doors for neurodiverse children, says Riya Agnihotri, a teacher who has supported children with additional needs in the UAE and UK for more than 20 years.
“There are a million ways to deal with any disruptive behaviour, but the first should be complete acceptance, love and warmth,” she says. “Once this is taken care of, the child will grow and flourish both academically and emotionally.”
For teaching staff to fully support children, they need to be well trained, adds Briony Emery, head of inclusion at the British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Schools need to invest in training to ensure their staff are up to date with Send [special educational needs and disability] in an international context,” says Emery, who compiled her answers in collaboration with BSAK specialist inclusion teachers Rachel Hinds and Lucy Haverty.
The National spoke to education experts about building a framework of support for children with ADHD, autism and dyslexia in school. While this is not a comprehensive list of learning difficulties and every child is different, it provides a snapshot of helpful strategies.
Plan sensory breaks for children with ADHD
According to Emery and her colleagues: “Regular movement and sensory breaks help a child relax and cope with the demands of a school day.
“Adults should also understand the child's difficulties with executive functioning — the ability to plan, set goals and feel motivated — to avoid becoming impatient or expecting more than a pupil is capable of.
“Finally, they should offer support with emotional and social needs, often the most challenging thing in school for someone with ADHD.”
Establish a routine for children with autism
About one in 100 children has autism, according to the World Health Organisation, and autism can vary greatly from child to child. However, common challenges include difficulty with communication, atypical patterns of activities and behaviour, difficulty making transitions from one activity to another, a focus on detail and unusual reactions to sensations.
Eman Abushabab, community awareness manager and behaviour analyst at Dubai Autism Centre, offers some tips to help an autistic child in mainstream school. “Establish a routine and create a visual timetable. This consists of images and simple words in chronological order that outline planned daily activities to make the child feel secure and limit anxiety about transitions.
“Consider the learning environment. Teachers should find out whether a child is sensitive to certain sounds or fabrics, for example, then remove or reduce any that cause discomfort.
“Communicate clearly. Some people with autism find interpreting meaning hard, so teachers should avoid metaphors and rhetorical questions, and keep instructions simple.”
Use multisensory teaching methods for children with dyslexia
Children with dyslexia have difficulty learning words accurately and understanding sentences, says Ebersohn. Signs of dyslexia are often spotted only once the child has reached reading age. Some useful strategies include having an inclusive classroom environment with built-in support for dyslexic pupils. “For example, use accessible fonts and make sure the school has age and interest-appropriate books for all reading ability levels,” says Ebersohn.
Other tips include: using off-white or yellow paper or coloured plastic overlays to help children process text and reading rulers to assist in maintaining focus; and using multisensory teaching methods such as creative visuals, songs, dance and tactile techniques such as forming letters and words using sand or textured fabrics.
Finally, use technology such as spellcheckers, text-to-speech software and audiobooks to support children to develop their independence and reading skills.
The price parents and pupils pay
Although support and strategies are available, parents should be aware of the potential costs in the UAE. Schools may require parents to pay for one-to-one learning assistants for their child. Medical insurance doesn’t always cover the cost of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and educational psychologists. Simone, Theo’s mother, adds that co-ordinating the support can be a “huge challenge”.
Another hurdle is the stigma that can surround neurodiverse children, who can end up feeling “different”, says Ebersohn. Children with learning difficulties, and their parents, can also feel excluded from wider society.
“This can bring emotional distress of low self-worth,” she says. “However, many children can overcome these challenges with the right strategy, training accommodation and emotional support.
“The more we understand learning disabilities, the less likely we are to hold stigmatising views.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Ukraine 2 (Yaremchuk 06', Yarmolenko 27')
Portugal 1 (Ronaldo 72' pen)
Meydan race card
6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
1,800m
7.10pm Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m ,400m
7.45pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
8.20pm Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
8.55pm Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The years Ramadan fell in May
More on Quran memorisation:
FIGHT%20CARD
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The%C2%A0specs%20
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin
Favourite film: Marvel movies
Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence
'Champions'
Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
Francesco Totti's bio
Born September 27, 1976
Position Attacking midifelder
Clubs played for (1) - Roma
Total seasons 24
First season 1992/93
Last season 2016/17
Appearances 786
Goals 307
Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20Killer
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The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 575bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh554,000
On sale: now
Allardyce's management career
Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)
Countries (1) - England (2016)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY
Starting at 10am:
Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang
Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)
Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)
Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera
Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas
Terminator: Dark Fate
Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: 3/5
The biog
Hobby: "It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research."
Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell
Favourite travel destination: "Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married."
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
The Lowdown
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss
Rating: 4/5
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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