The inaugural Mind Bloom: 1st Advances in Child Psychiatry and Neurology Conference was held under the distinguished patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan on November 22-23, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Organized by the American Center for Psychiatry & Neurology (ACPN), this landmark event established a vital, multidisciplinary forum dedicated to advancing integrated care for the developing brain, uniting clinicians, therapists, policymakers, educators, and youth advocates.
The conference commenced with a prestigious opening ceremony featuring an address from the patron, H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma, and welcome remarks from Conference Chair Dr. Salwa Al-Hosani and H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health. Day One was anchored by powerful keynotes: child psychiatrist Dr. Hesham Hamoda on advances in ADHD, and pediatric neurologist Dr. Khaled Zamel exploring the critical interplay between epilepsy and autism. The agenda seamlessly blended clinical innovations—such as updates in psychopharmacology and telehealth—with essential systemic discussions. A high-level panel from Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) addressed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, while dedicated workshops on ADHD management and child protection referral pathways provided practical tools. A forward- looking panel on AI in Child Mental Health concluded the day's scientific sessions.
Day Two broadened the perspective to encompass the child's entire ecosystem. Sessions delved into the psychosocial aspects of childhood illness, the impact of social media on youth mental health, and strategies for understanding self-harm in adolescence. A significant portion of the day was dedicated to education and therapy, featuring insights from the Emirati Children's Parliament on bullying prevention, and workshops on play therapy and school-based occupational and speech therapy. The conference emphasized collaborative care models, with sessions on multidisciplinary team (MDT) working and neuro-affirming practices. It also tackled complex clinical frontiers, including PANS/PANDAS and perioperative neurocognitive changes. The closing sessions returned to the theme of technology, exploring AI video analytics in therapy and building resilience in displaced populations.
By uniquely integrating cutting-edge clinical science with practical workshops, policy dialogues, educational strategies, and the invaluable voices of youth, the inaugural Mind Bloom Conference did more than educate—it planted the seeds for a more holistic, collaborative, and compassionate future for child and adolescent mental health and neurology in the region.
