Latest news with #Disorder
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Not naughty, just misunderstood: Spotting the early signs of ADHD in kids
When children struggle to sit still, follow instructions or keep up in class, their behaviour is often mistaken for laziness or disobedience. In many cases, these could be signs of Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), says Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at IMU, Dr Serena In. To explain, Dr Serena takes the example of Joe, an eight-year-old who fidgets constantly, blurts out answers, loses things and struggles to follow routines despite his best efforts. Like many with ADHD, he faces daily misunderstandings, often being labelled naughty or lazy. According to Dr Serena, boys are diagnosed three to four times more often than girls, partly because girls may mask their symptoms more effectively. "ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder that starts in early childhood. It affects how our brain develops and how it processes things. It is not a behavioural problem. What happens in the brain affects the way a child functions," she said in a statement. She explains that there are three types of ADHD, the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, the predominantly inattentive type or a combination of both. "The hyperactive-impulsive types have difficulty staying on a task, are always on the go and are fidgety. They can't sit still through a class lesson, or even a movie. "They may also display a lack of self-control. For example, a typical child would be able to learn behaviours such as lining up and taking turns, but a hyperactive-impulsive type will find it very difficult to do so," she added. Dr Serena said the cause of ADHD are linked to multiple factors, including genetics, environmental exposures and maternal prenatal influences. She also advises limiting screen time for young children, as overstimulation from fast-paced media can worsen attention problems and hinder healthy brain development. "Excessive screen time also means less exercise, less quality sleep, less time for homework which ultimately affects a child's ability to be at their best,' she explained adding that more longitudinal studies need to be done to really understand the impact of over-using devices. How to get a diagnosis For children, Dr Serena said diagnosis typically begins with observations from parents, teachers and caregivers across various settings. She said teachers often play a crucial role in identifying potential cases. "Observations need to come from more than one person and from different settings. When you see that the behaviours across these settings form a pattern, then there could be cause for concern," she said. She further noted that parents who bring their children for assessment have often been asked to do so by teachers. "Teachers play an important role in recognising when a child needs help," she said. She also added that in Malaysia, a clinical psychologist conducts a thorough assessment over several sessions to evaluate symptoms, rule out other conditions, and highlight a child's strengths. These assessments lead to tailored treatment plans which may involve therapy, medication or both. "A comprehensive assessment will take a minimum of three sessions. During the sessions, a clinical psychologist will use a combination of assessment tools, behaviour observations, cognitive assessments, as well as other adaptive functioning screening to rule out other disorders," she said. Dr Serena stresses that trying to self-diagnose with online tests is a sure way to misdiagnose or overdiagnose. "Always see a registered professional as they are adequately trained to diagnose accurately. Parents can go to both private or public health clinics depending on levels of affordability and urgency of the case. "The private sector will be able to see a child quite immediately, while those seeking help at government hospitals will have to wait to get an appointment. You also need to get a referral letter from a clinic or a GP if you want to get an appointment at a government facility," she added. During the sessions, Dr Serena said a clinical psychologist will also identify the child's strengths. 'We don't confirm a diagnosis and leave you with just a label. Through a thorough assessment, psychologists will highlight the child's strengths for example, memory abilities, creativity or the ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest. "Essentially, a diagnosis leads to specific and practical recommendations, as well as a treatment plan that is tailored for the child. That is why a psychological assessment by a mental health professional is so beneficial," she explained.
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
DDB Technology Redefines Innovation by Transforming Business Models, Not Just Products
NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At a time when the term 'innovation' is often confined to gadgets and features, DDB Technology, LLC is shifting the conversation. The New York–based firm, named Private Equity Company of the Year – United States by the Innovation & Excellence Awards in 2023 and again this year, is leading a new wave of innovation—one that begins at the business model level. Founded by Denise Drace-Brownell, JD, MPH, DDB Technology stands apart in its belief that innovation is not just about developing new technologies, but about restructuring how value is created, captured, and scaled. This philosophy underpins the company's work across its three core focus areas: technology, med-tech, and intellectual property commercialization. 'What I discovered over the course of my career is that we rarely think of business models themselves as vehicles for innovation,' said Drace-Brownell. 'That's a blind spot—because in today's world, the real competitive edge is often not in what you build, but in how you bring it to market, fund it, and sustain it. That's where we shine.' Drace-Brownell's multidisciplinary background—in law, marketing, science, and private equity—has shaped DDB Technology's distinctive approach. The company is best known for helping founders retain equity by unlocking the latent commercial value in their innovation, before they seek external funding. In doing so, DDB helps avoid premature dilution and gives innovators greater strategic control over their ventures. Pioneering Steps by DDB Technology The company pioneers advanced lens optics and specialised eyewear to improve visual performance amid rising digital screen use. These innovations address growing public health challenges like Digital Eye Strain and BV Disorder, conditions that significantly impact productivity and wellbeing. The company's engineering advances extend into AR/VR, industrial equipment, and digital interface design. In the climate sector, DDB Technology offers AI-powered environmental risk management solutions for well-capitalised B2B clients. Specifically, helping them identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and convert climate challenges into competitive advantages – including supply chain differentiation and innovation leadership. In intellectual property, the firm empowers organisations to unlock hidden value in their intangible assets through its patented IP Pro platform; this enables clients to assess, prioritise, and capitalise on innovation to maximise revenue, financing, and long-term market share. This cross-domain innovation is supported by a flexible, equity-minded operating model. DDB Technology builds strategic partnerships while maintaining a lean in-house structure based out of Rockefeller Center, where even the office design reflects the company's ethos. Creative use of multi-functional spaces—including rooftop gardens for meetings—mirrors the company's core belief in unlocking untapped value from overlooked assets. This approach caught the attention of the judging panel at the 2023 and 2025 Innovation & Excellence Awards, who commended the firm's 'unrivalled expertise in markets and capital' and its ability to 'help business leaders uncover the real value of their organizations.' Drace-Brownell sees this award not as a capstone, but as a call to deepen the company's mission: 'Our clients come to us with powerful ideas, many of which have been overlooked or underleveraged. We help them turn those ideas into fully formed strategies—combining technical innovation with market positioning and structural ownership advantages.' In a competitive landscape where innovation is often reduced to buzzwords or app updates, DDB Technology is restoring depth and purpose to the term. The firm believes that the most transformative innovations are those that empower individuals and organizations to think differently about the systems they operate in—whether that's reimagining the optics industry, designing climate-resilient business models, or helping founders retain what they've built. For companies and creators looking for a partner in real innovation—not just execution—DDB Technology is redefining what's possible. About DDB Technology Founded in 2000, DDB Technology, LLC is a New York–based alternative private equity and innovation strategy firm focused on unlocking untapped value in overlooked markets. Specializing in technology, med-tech, and intellectual property strategy, the firm helps clients rethink how innovation is structured, funded, and delivered to the world. Photo – View original content:
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Remembering Ziad, Saint Levant's contradictions and Disorder at Metropolis
Often, our cultural stories offer a sense of escape from the weight of the news and light relief from the misery of the doomscroll. But the truth is, art is almost always political. This week, Lebanon's cultural and political stories converged heartbreakingly as the country mourned the passing of the inimitable Ziad Rahbani. The week has been intense in many ways, the news, the grief, the heat and the overwhelming plethora of cultural happenings taking place. As you decompress this weekend here are some politically charged cultural reads to put you in a reflective mood and help you take stock of it all. Enjoy. The son of musical royalty, Ziad was never just 'the son.' He was a provocateur, a playwright, a jazzman and a truth-teller. Joe Macaron lays out his complex intellectual identity and explains why his loss is so devastating on a national level. He's Gen Z's pop heartthrob with catchy tunes, dreamy looks and a political edge that seemingly adds to the appeal. But how sincere is Saint Levant's activism? After 3,000 people turned out for his much-hyped show in Batroun last weekend, Rana Najjar digs a little deeper behind the sea of kuffiyehs, watermelon and red pepper motifs. The latest of Jim Quilty's exhibition reviews is as thoughtful as ever; this time around, he's been to Vartan Avakian's show at Marfa' Projects. It is an interesting concept, where treasure maps and gold artefacts are used to trace the narrative of the Armenian genocide. Read his thoughts on the installation here. It seems like another trip to Metropolis is in order — one of my favorite spots to disappear in of late. This time, I've been compelled by Zena Zalal's endorsement of 'Disorder' as 'essential viewing.' It's an anthology — made with the support of Philippe Jabre and the expert input of Nadine Labaki — of four short films that respond to Lebanon's crisis through different personal lenses. Read up before booking your tickets. Finally, if you're looking for more ways to fill your weekend, be it in Beirut or Abu Dhabi, Doha or Amman, Marguerita runs through her top cultural picks from the MYM Agenda. Sign up to get her weekly round-up via email here.
L'Orient-Le Jour
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
‘Disorder': Four Lebanese filmmakers on a nation in turmoil
A secret meeting of revolutionaries spirals into chaos. A young woman defies her mother's grip to join the October 2019 protests. A depressed psychologist faces financial ruin. And comedian Chaker Bou Abdallah, playing himself, dreams of a meteorite ending Lebanon's four short films — directed by Lucien Bourjeily, Bane Fakih, Wissam Charaf and Areej Mahmoud — make up Msha'lab (Disorder), screening at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut through Aug. anthology presents four distinct visions of a country unraveling, from the 2019 economic collapse and mass protests to the devastation of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The thread tying them together: a search for what remains when a nation the question producer and curator Bechara Mouzannar wanted to explore when he launched the project in 2019, inspired by what...
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- The Citizen
Psychologist Candice Leith weighs in as flasher alarms Ballito residents
Allegations of public indecency have unsettled Ballito residents after a man reportedly exposed himself twice in two days. The Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) confirmed that both cases involved a young white male allegedly exposing himself to unsuspecting women in public places over the weekend of July 12 and 13. The first incident occurred near Salmon Bay, where a female jogger was approached by a man driving a white Toyota Aygo. After asking for directions, the driver allegedly exposed himself before speeding off. The second incident took place on the boardwalk near Clarke Bay, where two female holidaymakers were out for a morning walk. They described the flasher as a 'young, clean-cut, white male.' These events have sparked concern, prompting the BNW to issue a public alert and encourage immediate reporting of any similar behaviour. Indecent exposure is a criminal offence in South Africa. Ballito psychologist Dr Candice Rae Leith weighed in on the psychological aspect of the incidents, linking the behaviour to a mental health condition known as Exhibitionistic Disorder. 'People with this disorder feel intense sexual arousal from the act of exposure itself, particularly from the victim's surprise or shock,' said Leith. 'In many cases, this behaviour is compulsive and repeated, causing distress for victims and sometimes guilt and shame for the offender.' According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Exhibitionistic Disorder is diagnosed when an individual aged 18 or older experiences persistent sexual urges or fantasies for at least six months involving exposing themselves to non-consenting people. The person must either act on these urges or experience significant distress or disruption in their life. 'This helps professionals distinguish a diagnosable disorder from a one-off act of poor judgement,' said Leith, who notes the illness can be treated and managed. She says specialist psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can help the person understand their triggers and develop healthier coping strategies. In some cases, medication is used to help reduce compulsive sexual urges. 'Community awareness and prompt reporting help protect everyone's safety. At the same time, people struggling with these urges deserve access to treatment so they can stop harmful behaviour before more damage is done.' No arrests have been made. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
