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The Janet & Frank Kelly Autism Center

In the Janet and Frank Kelly Autism Center we look at the world through each child’s eyes and see possibilities rather than limitations and find that special spark, unique strength or talent to make that gift shine. The Autism Center uses the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children) approach together with Visual Language Learning to educate our students, recognized as the gold standard in teaching children on the autism spectrum.

Autism Spectrum Program


Our History and Commitment

Since our inception in 1953, The Children’s Guild Alliance has been a pioneer in working with children on the autism spectrum. One of our founders, Dr. Leo Kanner, was not only the founder of Child Psychiatry, but he also made the first diagnosis of childhood autism and prescribed the first methods of intervention. Throughout our history, The Children’s Guild Alliance has served children on the autism spectrum, primarily through educational programs. However, we realize that today autism and knowledge about autism is continuously evolving and so we, as an organization, are also changing in order to seek the most effective ways to work with students on the autism spectrum and their families.

In response to the growing needs of these students and others like them in our communities, The Children’s Guild Alliance expanded, refined and coordinated its services to children on the autism spectrum and created The Janet and Frank Kelly Autism Center at The Children’s Guild based on our Transformation Education philosophy. Our Autism Center provides services to children and youth on the autism spectrum from age 5 through age 22 in the Baltimore-Washington corridor through our therapeutic day schools, Family Help Center, and school-based mental health programs. 

Instructional Program:

  • Maryland Common Core Standards
  • Instruction aligned and programs tailored to the learning style of each student
  • Project-based learning using real world problems
  • Brain-based learning strategies
  • Field work and collaboration with experts
  • Technology enriched programming
  • Information Technology
  • Digital Media
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Hospitality
  • Infusion of the arts: art, music and physical education
  • Character education
  • Vocational training
  • Formalized plans to improve social skills, problem behavior and lagging cognitive skills
  • Electives in technology, landscaping and hospitality
  • School to Work program
  • Culturally responsible instruction 

Clinical and Related Services:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Speech/language therapy
  • Crisis intervention services
  • Physical and occupational therapies
  • Psychiatric evaluation and consultation
  • Nursing services
  • Case management services

Family Services:

  • Parent and family counseling
  • Parent support groups
  • Referral to community resources
  • Assistance for students transitioning to their next placement

Additional Services:

  • Transportation under special arrangements
  • Free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch (if eligible)
  • Extended school year program

It is because of our natural curiosity and always asking the question “Why?” – that we have discovered new ways of understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the most effective ways of working with children on the spectrum. We also ask the question “Why not?” and are always striving to ensure that our students, their families and our staff are the best they can be. Simply put, we aim to make the seemingly impossible possible.

The same can be said of Janet and Frank Kelly. Whether as community leaders, elected official, or philanthropists, the Kelly family has always worked to make the seemingly impossible possible for thousands of Marylanders. The Janet and Frank Kelly Autism Center at The Children’s Guild is yet another opportunity the Kelly’s have created to help children learn the skills they need to lead successful and meaningful lives both today and tomorrow.

For more information about The Janet & Frank Kelly Autism Center please contact us.

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5702 Sargent Rd.
Chillum, MD 20782-2321

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We’re Proud to be an Affiliate of The Children’s Guild Alliance