About 80 percent of requests for special education teacher support services last year came from the predominantly Hasidic and Orthodox districts, records show. But in Hasidic areas, more than a dozen parents told The Times that religious schools were driving the surge, including by paying for the lawyers who represent parents at hearings. Most parents spoke on condition of anonymity because openly criticizing Hasidic leaders can lead to being shunned by family and friends. Five hearing officers told The Times that in proceedings involving Hasidic children, some parents have not seemed to know what they were requesting, or why. “Please can you have her medical doctor write a prescription stating diagnosis of F84.0,” the email said.

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Organizations: Times, Chabad Girls Academy, The Times Locations: Crown Heights