Dr. Zainab is an ADHD Coach and, an experienced and registered Educational Therapist in Singapore. She provides therapy and shadow support to individuals, across the lifespan, with Specific Learning Differences. A neurodiversity advocate, Dr. Zainab has a keen interest in supporting ‘zesty minds’: individuals labeled as ADHD, Asperger/ASD, high IQ or gifted. She takes great pleasure in her work and watching her clients become independent and empowered is her greatest reward.

Dr. Zainab started her career as medical doctor in Pakistan. Upon relocating to Singapore, she decided to embark on a career change; following her passions in education and psychology. She graduated with Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences from Dyslexia Association Singapore (DAS Academy) and since then has worked in a variety of international schools in Singapore. She has provided individual as well as group therapy to students of all age groups. She has majorly worked with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Integration Disorder, Executive Dysfunction, Specific Learning Disorders (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Non-Verbal Learning Difficulties, Social Communication Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder as well as students with behavioural and emotional struggles.

Dr. Zainab is a skilled and trained Orton Gillingham practitioner, using the approach to design and execute lesson plans for a range of students with writing, reading, spelling and numerical challenges. She uses multisensory kinaesthetic boards, unifix cubes, base ten blocks and visual cues to concretise their concepts. She has used PECS to develop the verbal and social skills of students with ASD. Dr. Zainab believes in adding colour and fun to her therapeutic approach as it makes learning fun. She creatively designs visual checklists for clients struggling with executive dysfunction, training them to become organised in school and at home. For behavioural challenges, her approach is aligned with the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She is skilled in designing and implementing IEPs for struggling students in collaboration with the schools. For her older clients, she prefers to co-create their goals with them to help them gain ownership of their achievements.

Dr. Zainab truly believes in the ideology of Inclusion. She advocates for each client’s right to be a successful member of their educational and occupational community, given the benefit of doubt rather than being viewed through a particular lens. She recognises the educational stresses that students face and is passionately committed to nurturing their self-esteem and commending the request for help hence ensuring their sustainable future. Her deep rooted passion for holistic development of students, led her to further supplement herself with a Postgraduate diploma in Counselling Psychology.

Dr. Zainab is registered with Register of Educational Therapists Asia, Singapore (RETA) and is a certified Lifesaver/ First Aider with Singapore First Aid Training Centre (SFATC). In her free time she volunteers at National Libraries Singapore (NLB) as a story teller for children and enjoys gardening with her 5 year old daughter.

*Please note that Dr. Shaukat is not a medical nor dental professional in Singapore.