The Center for Autism Education Research at Shrub Oak was created to explore, analyze, and call attention to a wide range of salient topics pertaining to quality education of autistic students, at Shrub Oak, and globally. Led by Dr. Caitlin Sweetapple, Shrub Oak Director of Research, the Center conducts an ongoing critical review of pertinent autism education research to ensure programmatic alignment, improvement, and best practices with our students. Additionally, the Center aims to develop and conduct cutting edge, novel research in the field of autism education. Our ultimate goal is to shed light on best practices that provide autistic students with a safe, welcoming, and productive educational experience.
The Shrub Oak International School (SOIS) IRB is an administrative body established to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects (students, staff, parents, etc.) recruited to participate in research affiliated with SOIS.
The IRB is responsible for reviewing proposed research projects involving human participants prior to their participation recruitment and study commencement. The IRB has the authority to approve, disapprove, require modifications, and monitor all research activities that fall under its jurisdiction.
The administrative body is comprised of individuals with varying experience, expertise, and background to ensure a complete review of all studies submitted to the IRB. All IRB members have the professional experience necessary to provide an appropriate ethical review. The body includes nine voting members comprised of a chairperson, six voting members with various backgrounds, one scientist voting member, and one voting member who is not affiliated with SOIS.
If you are interested in conducting research at SOIS, please email Dr. Caitlin Sweetapple, Director of Research, at csweetapple@shruboak.org for further information.
Shrub Oak is proud to partner with Thomas Jefferson University Synesthetic Research and Design Lab at the College of Architecture and the Built Environment and the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. Our partnership includes research to create a more inclusive educational space for neurodiverse learners.
Shrub Oak is officially a SMARTlab Hub! SMARTlab promotes user-driven, transdisciplinary research, leveraging Creative Technology Innovations for social change. In addition, Shrub Oak participates in SMARTlab’s practice-based PhD, bringing novel research to our organization.
Shrub Oak is proud to partner with the Neurodiversity Employment Network, a robust community dedicated to creating a more inclusive workforce by connecting neurodiverse job seekers with employers who recognize and value their unique talents. The network’s goal is to provide comprehensive support and resources to both job seekers and employers, ensuring that neurodiverse individuals have access to meaningful employment opportunities. By joining this network, we are proudly contributing to a broader movement toward workplace inclusivity.
Shrub Oak’s exciting partnership with Wide Therapy, a groundbreaking digital platform, provides a unique therapy solution that enhances personal growth and independence for our students. Wide Therapy’s platform helps children master essential skills, using visualization techniques to ease behavior adoption. Wide Therapy’s user-friendly approach significantly boosts young learners’ engagement and learning experience.
We believe in building meaningful connections and fostering partnerships in the community. It is a fundamental aspect of our mission. By working together with local organizations, we strive to create a holistic educational experience that not only meets the needs of our students but supports our local community as well. One of these partnerships is our longstanding collaboration with BluePath Service Dogs, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to training and providing service dogs to autistic individuals. In addition, our partnership with St. Mary’s Pantry has enabled our students to participate in various community service activities such as organizing a back-to-school backpack drive. Students selected and organized supplies for 75 backpacks. This hands-on participation helped them develop life skills such as money management, organization, and responsibility, while also fostering empathy as they distributed the backpacks to those in need. In addition to community service activities, we have also developed student internship programs with various local businesses, including Catania’s, local bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores, and pet stores. These partnerships provide our students with real-world work experience, enhancing their vocational skills and preparing them for the future.
Shrub Oak International School is accredited by the following globally recognized leaders in school accreditation:
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