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Linwood Center, Inc.

Programs and services for children and adults living with Autism

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Our History

Jeanne M. Simons

Linwood’s History

Pioneers In Treating Autism

In 1955, long before autism was commonly known, and long before the advent of Applied Behavior Analysis, therapist Jeanne Simons opened Linwood’s doors to children who were destined to be institutionalized. She created a school and residential haven for these children, the first and only program of its kind to provide relief for the parents.

But even more than the school, Linwood’s unique place in the short history of autism is defined by its early connection to the first researchers in the field. Dr. Leo Kanner, who was the first to identify the syndrome now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder and coined the term Early Infantile Autism, conducted his early autism research at Linwood. And in 1965, American University professor and researcher Charles Ferster defined “The Linwood Method.” Using a federal grant, he studied behavior modification with autistic children and developed the “Linwood Project”, which analyzed Jeanne Simons’ therapy and broke the methods down into objective behavioral language.

Sixty years later, Simons’ Linwood Method remains the basis for the treatment we use today. Her book, “The Hidden Child: The Linwood Method for Reaching the Autistic Child”, co-written with Dr. Sabine Oishi, chronicles her work through the years and is still used as a guide for training staff at Linwood and other centers working with people with autism.

Fundamental rights, courtesy, respect, dignity, individuality, and self determination were all woven into her work, and these concepts have been handed down to generation after generation of Linwood staff members. They’re as much a part of our programs today as they were 60 years ago.

> Read the chapter “Linwood” from Celia M. Holland’s book Ellicott City, Maryland – Mill Town, USA.
> Read the Baltimore Sun’s article about Mary Merrick of Linwood, “Howard County’s uncanonized saint.”

 

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Linwood’s Mission

Our mission is to create the possibility of extraordinary lives for children and adults living with autism and related developmental disabilities by providing education, vocational training, residential support and employment opportunities.

Linwood’s Vision

Our vision is to be a virtual presence throughout our communities and a leading provider of educational, employment, and residential services for children and adults living with autism.

Career Opportunities

Linwood has several openings for individuals interested in working with the following programs: Linwood School, Residential Services, Adult Services, and Administration. Click here to learn more about employment with Linwood!

Contact Us

Linwood Center, Inc.
3421 Martha Bush Drive
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043

(410) 465-1352
admin@linwoodcenter.org

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