Linwood School
Linwood School is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to provide a non-graded special education and related services program for students with autism (ages 5 through 21) with additional residential components. Linwood School is co-ed with a capacity of 60 students; the primary characteristics of our students are consistent with those on the autism spectrum.
Our school program provides instruction and positive behavioral supports in classroom settings as well as vocational training and related services. Our students are taught self-care, independent functioning, community-based skills, recreation and leisure, and other functional skills that are necessary as they transition into adulthood and community living.
Building On Individual Strengths And Interests
Linwood School staff implements programs that are aligned with the best practices models identified by the National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, including (a) the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards, (b) Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to help with communication skills and prerequisite learning, (c) the use of TEACCH bins, file folder activities, and Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECs), and (d) the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase appropriate replacement behaviors. We provide instruction in the following areas:
- Mathematics
- Reading / English Language Arts
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Health Education
- Music Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Career Development
- Personal Management
- Transition Planning
The cornerstone of the teaching process at Linwood is identifying each student’s strengths and interests. Teachers plan activities that build on this foundation, using strategies that include Positive Behavioral Supports and reducing unwanted behaviors while teaching alternate desirable behaviors.
