Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak Lead Ongoing Research to Advance Best Practices in Autism Education

Center for Autism Education Research, IRB, and partnerships drive continuous innovation for students

MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak continue to advance pioneering research that shapes best practices in autism education. Through its Center for Autism Education Research, Institutional Review Board (IRB), and a growing network of strategic partnerships, Shrub Oak integrates current research directly into daily programming, ensuring students benefit from the latest knowledge and innovation.

"Research here is not abstract — it is about deepening our understanding of what truly helps, and holding ourselves accountable to more than our intentions. It is about learning from our practice in a way that can benefit not only our own students, but the broader field," said Dr. Salam Soliman, Director of Clinical Services & Research at Shrub Oak.

A comprehensive framework for ethical, impactful research

At the heart of research efforts at Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak is the Center for Autism Education Research, which supports a continuous cycle of critical literature review, original study design, and program evaluation, ensuring that practices remain closely aligned with student needs. Complementing this is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)—a nine-member panel representing diverse expertise—charged with safeguarding participant rights and welfare while upholding the highest ethical standards. Together, these structures ensure that research remains both rigorous and directly relevant to student outcomes.

Researchers from outside the school are encouraged to collaborate with Shrub Oak through the IRB process, contributing to studies that not only strengthen internal practice but also expand the broader field of autism education.

Strategic partnerships extend research impact

Shrub Oak's collaborations with academic and community organizations extend the reach of its research well beyond Shrub Oak's campus. Ongoing projects include partnerships with Thomas Jefferson University (through the Synesthetic Research & Design Lab and the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity) to co-create inclusive, human-centered learning environments; with SMARTlab, where Shrub Oak serves as an official hub for user-driven, technology-based inquiry and doctoral study pathways; with the Neurodiversity Employment Network, advancing inclusive workforce development; and with Wide Therapy, a digital platform that supports learning and behavior adoption through visualization and interactive tools.

Research with student outcomes at the center

These initiatives are not abstract exercises; they are designed to help students cultivate relationships, pursue passions, and build independence. The mission of Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak is centered on ensuring that each student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and personally within a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.

About Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak

The mission of Shrub Oak International School is to improve the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. Through individualized, strengths- and passion-based learning, we help students form meaningful relationships, navigate their communities, and maximize their potential.

Located on the campus of Shrub Oak International School, The Pines at Shrub Oak is a specialized therapeutic program designed to address the unique needs of autistic adolescents who also require intensive psychiatric support.

Shrub Oak International School is accredited by:

• The National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), Level III Therapeutic Certification, Academic Accreditation, with an Autism Endorsement;
  
  
• The Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a globally recognized leader in school accreditation and improvement; and
  
  
• Cognia, signifying that the school meets or exceeds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness.

For more information about Shrub Oak International School or to schedule a visit, please visit www.shruboak.org or contact Lauren Koffler at [email protected].

SOURCE Shrub Oak International School