Individuals and groups in the community are staging recreational events this summer for neurodivergent children and their families, nodding to Bahrain’s inclusive spirit.
Making Waves: Family Fun Day will take place on July 15 at Centraal Club, Hamala, and feature a range of activities such as swimming, sport, relay races, team challenges, interactive games, pool activities and more.
Participants will also enjoy healthy refreshments and giveaways, all the while spending quality time together. The community splash event, which will run from 10am to 1.30pm, will bring together people of different backgrounds, offering the opportunity to connect and make lasting memories.
The programme is free with prior registration. Those interested can call or WhatsApp 34414482 or send a direct message to the organisers, Brain Wave Bahrain, on Instagram.
Children and volunteers set for a baking class during this year’s summer camp by Shahzaib’s Club House
Neurodivergence refers to having a brain that processes, learns and behaves differently from what is considered ‘typical’. Some of the most widely recognised forms include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia.
“Children don’t only learn through therapy or in the classroom. They learn through play, shared experiences, laughter and meaningful time with the people they love,” Brain Wave clinical director Noor Taha told the GDN.
Ms Taha
“I hope families leave the event with more than just photos. I hope they leave with memories, stronger connections, and a reminder that sometimes the most valuable moments are the simplest ones,” added the expert, who has a postgraduate certificate in autism studies on children from Birmingham University in the UK.
Brain Wave is a multidisciplinary centre for learning, development and family support.
“Every individual who walks through our doors has different strengths, challenges and goals. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we create personalised programmes that bring together specialists from different disciplines to ensure every person receives the support they deserve.
“We don’t simply provide therapy – we build relationships, celebrate progress, and work alongside families to create lasting change. That same philosophy is at the heart of the Making Waves event. We wanted to create a space where families could reconnect with each other,” Ms Taha explained.
Studies indicate that between 10 per cent and 20pc of the global population is estimated to be neurodivergent.
High-profile Radio Bahrain presenter and GulfWeekly quiz columnist Shannon Crockett will be joining the fun with a special segment during the Making Waves event. The Australian expatriate was first diagnosed with ADHD in 2014 by a specialist while working in Abu Dhabi and was re-diagnosed in 2020. He has always been a champion of the cause.
Mr Crockett
“Since being diagnosed with ADHD in my late 30s I was ashamed and kept it to myself, but since joining Radio Bahrain and starting my events company, Stand Out Events, I’ve become more open to people about my daily struggles and eventually gained the confidence to help kids going through the same experiences, by giving talks and assisting in programmes.
“For this event, Dr Noor knows that I am active in the neurodivergent community and asked if I would like to participate. So on the day, my focus will be on getting the kids to have fun in the pool with games and activities and hopefully they will forget about their phones and tablets... At least for a couple of hours. And of course I’ll be spinning great tunes for the whole family to enjoy,” revealed Mr Crockett.
Bahrain is home to many institutions and initiatives that support individuals on the spectrum. Among them is Shahzaib’s Club House that is hosting its annual summer camp for its children at the Bahrain Mobility International centre in Isa Town.
“The children are having a good time so far. Our first week had a nature theme and included an activity where we made flower bracelets,” clubhouse founder Amena Shahrukh said.
The Pakistani expatriate and special needs advocate started the club house four years ago as an extension of her personal journey with her late son, Mohammed Shahzaib Lali, who was differently abled. He died of pneumonia at the age of 21.
Ms Shahrukh
The summer camp is run by Ms Shahrukh and other volunteers including young philanthropists who are assigned tasks that they do with the children while also coming up with their own ideas.
The Alia Autism Centre in A’ali is also staging a summer camp for its children. In addition to providing comprehensive early intervention, evaluation and education for children and adults with autism, it has several other initiatives including Halla by Alia, Bahrain’s first and only café run by autistic adults.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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