The Importance of Residential School-Based Family Support

The Importance of Residential School-Based Family Support Caitlin Sweetapple, Ed.D., Arij Abdul-Hamil, LMHC Lauren Koffler, MSW Shrub Oak International School Providing school-age support for families and caregivers with an autistic child varies based on the school program the student is enrolled in. It is imperative that alongside the programming and support autistic students receive, parents […]

A Call for Reform of the Least Restrictive Environment

Call for Reform of the Least Restrictive Environment Caitlin Sweetapple, Ed.D. Director of Research Shrub Oak International School Section 1412 (a) (5) of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) outlines regulations regarding the least restrictive environment (LRE). The statute states: To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions […]

Shrub Oak is Reopening All Programs!

We are excited to announce that, based on Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order allowing in-person New York special education programs to resume this summer, Shrub Oak has implemented a reopening plan to welcome both day and boarding students back onto campus. We are thrilled by the prospect of seeing our current students and families again, and […]

Special Education at Shrub Oak International School: Providing the Groundwork to Success

Awareness and acceptance of autistic students have amplified with the recent increase in diagnostic prevalence nationwide (Autism Speaks, 2019). ASD diagnoses have steadily risen in recent years from 1 in 68 children in 2016 to 1 in 59 children in 2018 (Autism Speaks, 2019). Students with ASD require structured educational programs with clear, individualized goals […]