ADHD, Small Not-For-Profit Private Schools, and the Muslim American Experience with Dr. Noor Ali, Principal of Al Hamra Academy

Dr. Noor Ali is the principal of Al Hamra Academy, a private K-8 Islamic School.  Al Hamra. Noor has long been an advocate for students with special needs, and brings her strong advocacy, and thoughtful manner to the pod!

In today’s episode, we talk about the intersections and commonalities between the Muslim and ADHD experiences, the importance of celebrating your child’s diagnosis, the special education challenges faced by small faith-based schools, and how a child is like an interactive canvas. 

Guest Links:

• Al Hamra Academy - https://www.alhamraacademy.org

Shameless Plugs:  

• Go to https://www.adhdrewired.com/events/ for details about the monthly Q&A with Eric Tivers.
• Learn about The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups!
• Or register at https://www.adhdessentials.com/sign-up/.

In Today’s Episode We Discuss:

• Noor's experience with ADHD in the Islamic Community
• Bringing parents to the idea of ADHD
• Why it can be easier to blame the child than to pursue a diagnosis
• Getting advanced degrees is possible with ADHD & Dyslexia
• Micro-aggressions and feeling like your experience is irrelevant to the mainstream
• 10 year old Muslim girl gets death threats at school
• How Ramadan & Afternoon Prayer could single out Muslim students,
• Why it’s important to teach about these cultural differences
• Special Education in a private school vs. a public school
• Coaching parents
• Universal Design
• Teaching is hard, meaningful work
• Mentorships foster resilience