"Abber Club Organizes Seminar on 'Nervous System Disorders' at the College of Life Sciences"

Written by: Noora Mohammed Bougheith

Abber Club, affiliated with the Department of Communication Disorders, organized a seminar titled "Nervous System Disorders," presented by Dr. Maryam Al-Arefan, a faculty member in the Department of Communication Disorders and the club's supervisor. The seminar took place on the afternoon of Monday, April 28, 2025, at the College of Life Sciences, with the attendance of several students and interested individuals.

After welcoming the audience, Dr. Al-Arefan introduced the three guest speakers. Among them were mothers whose children were diagnosed with nervous system disorders; they shared how they discovered the condition, their treatment journeys, and possible solutions. The third guest was the inspiring Naael, who suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The method he uses to communicate was demonstrated — a device called Dynavox that speaks on his behalf and reads out what he wants to say.

In addition, Dr. Dalal Al-Ali, also a faculty member in the Department of Communication Disorders, gave a detailed explanation about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and their importance. She emphasized the need for family support in using such devices when a family member is affected by neurological conditions. She clarified that these devices are of two types: electronic and picture-based communication systems.

It is worth noting that the goal of this seminar was to educate and raise awareness among students and attendees about nervous system disorders, and to stress the importance of using alternative communication tools for individuals affected by neurological diseases. It also aimed to highlight the role of technology in advancing these communication aids.

In conclusion, the guests were honored by Dr. Maryam Al-Arefan for their efforts in enriching the discussion and sharing their experiences with the students.