Why Linwood

Linwood provides supports and services throughout the lifespan for individuals living with autism and related developmental disabilities

As an approved nonpublic special education school and residential program, our state certified teachers and their assistants provide instruction and positive behavioral supports in classroom settings, at vocational worksites and in residences. In addition to the core subject areas, our students are taught self-care, independent functioning, community-based skills, recreation and leisure, and other functional skills that are necessary in today’s society.

As the students age out of the school system and become eligible for state-supported adult services, many enter into Linwood’s supported employment, day habilitation, and community-based residential programs. With the support of staff, these individuals work at Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Sears, DSW, the local landfill and recycling center, Linwood’s school cafeteria and Linwood’s school dormitory. A number of the adults in our program work at Linwood’s donated goods store, which serves as a supported and competitive employment arena with their non-disabled peers. For those who are unable to work competitively, Linwood’s store provides a training site and a supportive environment where skill development and positive behavioral supports are the mainstay.

Since 1955 Linwood has changed the lives of hundreds of children and adults living with autism. Linwood prides itself as a pioneer in the treatment and education of children living with autism as young as four years of age, supporting many into adulthood where they have become active participants and productive members of their communities.

Linwood Center is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education to operate a nonpublic special educational program, providing full day and residential special education and related services for students with autism, ages 9 through 21. Linwood’s residential programs for students are licensed by the Maryland Department of Human Resources and are approved by the Maryland Autism Medicaid Waiver. The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration licenses Linwood to provide adult supported employment, day habilitation, and community-based residential services. Linwood does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or religion in providing access to programs. Individuals considered for admission must have behavior and development consistent with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In addition to our school, Linwood’s main campus is the home of our dormitory for students who attend the 5-day residential program and one of the three single family homes for students who attend the 7-day residential program. The other two homes are located in nearby communities.

Linwood’s adult services include a donated goods store, a day program site and 11 homes located throughout Ellicott City, Columbia and Catonsville.