Diagnose your kids’ developmental problems early with Maharat App
The App presents specialists with tools to detect issues such as motor and cognitive developmental delay, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor communication, etc through scientific and practical methods.
Saudi-based Alwaleed Philanthropies along with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has revealed the ‘Maharat App’ to assist in early detection and accurate diagnosis of several developmental problems in children.
Maharat (meaning “skills” in Arabic) App strives to serve millions of children across the Middle East and present specialists with tools to detect issues through scientific and practical methods.
“The most valuable element of the app is that it provides accessible professional services for all, developed by experts in psychology, pedagogy and other relevant specialties. Most of the specialists are from Saudi Arabia” stated Amal Al-Kathiri, executive manager of local initiatives at Alwaleed Philanthropies
Al-Kathiri said, “Alwaleed Philanthropies is committed to support communities and develop sustainable solutions, which is the main goal of the app.”
Maharat is expected to benefit those in early childhood, with particular focus on children with motor and cognitive developmental delay, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor communication and motivation for language learning, concentration problems, attention problems and working memory deficit.
Once families get the diagnosis from Maharat, candidates will go through the evaluation stage then the treatment plan. Experts will support applicants go through the treatment plan step by step, describing to them the daily process, including children’s diet and what foods to avoid.
Specialists hired from various regions will provide expert advice with regard to how culture, for example, plays a role in a child’s behavior and how these cultural norms reflect on the diagnosis.
The app will provide a free diagnosis. According to a patient’s family income, a specialist will decide whether treatment will also be free, and if not, how much will be charged.
“Our aim is to help people with low income get benefits from the app by avoiding paying for transportation and clinic visit fees,” said Al-Kathiri.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and Alwaleed Philanthropies have also collaborated with the Elm Agency to build a center for the deaf and hearing-impaired.
The Hearing Impaired Center Project offers services such as remote video sign-language interpreting and 24-hour dedicated interpreters when needed.
