Testimonials
Tree of Exceptionalities was founded out of a heartfelt desire to shift the focus from deficits to strengths, while still honoring the unique challenges each individual faces. We recognized that people needed someone to truly listen, support, and gently guide them, offering a helping hand until they felt empowered to move forward on their own. Hear from those who have experienced this journey with us in their own words.
As parents of neurodivergent children, Shija and I first connected through several online groups and communities. I came to know her much more closely when we worked together on one of the most dynamic initiatives in the region — The Neurodiversity MENA Podcast.
Shija is a thorough professional who brings immense dedication, hard work, and passion to every project she undertakes. With her strong educational background, wide exposure, and lived experience of raising two neurodivergent children, she is a true storehouse of practical knowledge and resources for parents of differently wired kids.
While many professionals focus on fixing “what’s wrong” with a child, Shija gently challenges parents to look deeper and discover “what’s strong” about their child. Her strength-based, neuroaffirming approach encourages families to prioritise connection, relationship, and long-term holistic development over quick fixes.
I wish her every success in her future endeavours.
Piya Jayaraj
Writer / Neurodiversity Advocate
In a professional world that often races toward quick fixes, Shija Sapru stands out as a truly one-of-a-kind practitioner. She has helped me redefine neuroaffirming care in its truest sense through a respectful, strength-based approach and guided me into deepening my understanding of meaningful and practical support. Her emphasis on collaboration among professionals, teachers, parents, and other key adults in a student’s life makes her work holistic and genuinely empowering.
Christine Sarah Thomas
Neuroaffirming SLP
I first connected with Shija, through a mutual WhatsApp group. Her views and opinions on parenting and educating neurodivergent children via a strength based approach, very quickly caught my eye and resonated with me. I can confidently say that Shija has had a profound positive impact on me, during my parenting journey. She is a powerhouse of knowledge, yet humble, straight forward and approachable.
I believe Shija is the first , if not only professional in the UAE, who is fully qualified to teach strength based approaches, as a methodology in the education of neurodivergent children. She is the pioneer of a much needed lens shift, here in the UAE, and I would fully recommend connecting with Shija, to any parent with a neurodivergent child.
Hina Shahzad
Parent