Linwood Center Profile

Linwood provides supports and services throughout the lifespan for individuals with autism. As an accredited 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 work sites and in residences. 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 community-based residential, supported employment and day habilitation programs. With the support of staff, these individuals work at Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Sears, the local landfill and recycling center, a shoe store, Linwood’s school cafeteria and as janitorial staff. A number of the adults in our program work at Linwood's donated goods store, Good Deals Great Stuff, 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 with autism. Linwood prides itself as a pioneer in the treatment and education of children 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 educational program, providing full day and residential special education and related services for students with autism, ages 9 through 21. The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration licenses Linwood to provide adult community-based residential, supported employment and day habilitation 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 be at least nine years of age with behavior and development that gives evidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In addition to our school, Linwood has a dormitory for students who attend the 5-day residential program and three single family homes for students who attend the 7-day residential program.

Linwood's adult services include a donated goods retail store and 10 homes located throughout Ellicott City, Columbia and Catonsville.

Linwood’s mission is to create the possibility of extraordinary lives for children and adults living with autism by providing education, vocational training, social awareness, direct support and advocacy.