Ms. Najma Adam graduated from Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in 1998 and proceeded to a master’s in Special Education. She boasts an extensive and commendable career in Occupational Therapy, spanning over 25 years. She stands as a pioneer in the field, having contributed significantly to various institutions. Notably, she established Occupational Therapy services at Agha Khan University Hospital within the Physical Therapy Department. Ms. Najma Adam has gained significant experience in the field of inpatient care, specifically in stroke units and ICU settings. This demonstrates her expertise in providing specialized care for patients with complex medical conditions. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic in her practices.
Her influence also extended to Ziauddin University Hospital, where she served as a visiting faculty and consultant at CSLHS, playing a pivotal role in initiating Occupational Therapy services. She spearheaded similar efforts at South City Hospital under the guidance of Dr. Muhammad Umar and Dr. Nadir Ali Syed, taking on the role of Coordinator Rehab and Occupational Therapist in charge at Liaquat National Hospital.
Recognition for her contributions came in the form of an annual award for accelerating outpatient rehabilitation. Notably, she played a key role in establishing the Occupational Therapy department at Dow University of Health Sciences and took on the role of a lecturer in Occupational Therapy. Her expertise was also shared at institutions like Ma Ayesha Memorial Centre and Star Links School.
To further enhance her capabilities, she pursued training in the USA and Malaysia, enriching her expertise with an international perspective. Her recent certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) after completing training in the USA showcases her commitment to continuous professional development. Additionally, she undertook training in the award-winning “Learning Without Tears” (LWT) program, further bolstering her skills, particularly in handwriting.
Her leadership as the former Head of the Karachi Down Syndrome Program and her current role as the Head of Occupational Therapy at Pakistan Centre for Autism and South City Hospital, along with her private endeavor named RISE, stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field.
She specializes in evaluating and preparing standardized assessment reports for children encountering difficulties in Cambridge exams (CIES), offering additional time for their exams if necessary due to handwriting-related challenges.
Some of the cases which she encounters on a regular basis are:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Delays
- Intellectually challenged or slow learners
- Fractures
- Pre and post Cardiac concerns
- Arthritis
- Stroke
- Parkinson
- Multiple Sclerosis
Some of the areas of Occupational Therapy for both children (Typical or Differently abled) and adults are:
- Sensory Processing
- Hair cutting
- Nail Cutting
- Oral motor
- Fine Motor Skills
- Activities of Daily Living (self-care)
- Toilet training
- One Handed Technique
- Posture
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Sleep Management Techniques
- Life Style Modifications
- Counselling
- Play Therapy
- Energy Conservation Techniques
- Work Simplification Technique
- Adaptive Equipment
- Home Modification e.g. ramps, grab bars, etc.
In addition to her professional expertise, she enjoys traveling and photography, demonstrating a keen aesthetic sense and a penchant for hands-on creative pursuits
