Why Linwood
A Model For Other Programs Throughout The World
Since 1955, Linwood has been providing life-changing services to individuals living with autism. Our founder, the late Jeanne M. Simons, was one of the pioneers in the field. Her early breakthrough work was unprecedented and is still regarded as a model for the treatment of individuals with autism throughout the world.
Linwood School is co-ed with a capacity of 60 students. The school is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to provide a Special Education and related services program for students with autism in a Nongraded (Ages 5 through 21) education program with additional residential components.
When individuals served by Linwood Center school turn 21 years old and become eligible for state-supported adult services, many enter our programs for adults. Our adult programs include supported employment, vocational training, recreation, volunteerism, and community-based residential living. Linwood Center Boutique, a gift and thrift store on Main Street in Historic Ellicott City, provides productive, integrated employment and training opportunities for adults in our program while offering a community retail setting for gently used merchandise in excellent condition. With our support, individuals living with autism enjoy being productive, contributing members of the communities where they live.
All Linwood Center programs and services provided are based on the concepts of self-determination and enhancement of self-esteem for individuals living with autism and related developmental disabilities — the primary reasons why so many families choose Linwood. We believe that each individual who enters our programs has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and that each deserves to live, work, and play in an environment filled with encouragement and rich with opportunity.
Certificate of Approval and Licenses
As part of our MSDE approval to operate a nonpublic special educational program, Linwood provides full day and residential special education and related services. Our residential programs 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.