Autism Services

In 2013, Maryland School for the Deaf with the collaboration and support of the Maryland State Department of Education, established services for deaf/hard of hearing students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These services are available to students age 3-21 who meet the admissions criteria for these services. In addition, students must be able to acquire and maintain adequate ASL skills in order to be able to learn through a visual modality. The continuum of services provided to a student with Autism at MSD varies depending on the individual needs of the child.

Services are determined on an individual basis through the student’s IEP team and can change over time. Examples of services that students with ASD can qualify for include: additional adult support (through enhanced services), occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language therapy, counseling services and behavior management. Based on the student needs outlined in the IEP, students receive instruction of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards in our general education classes, modified curriculum classes or alternative assessment classes. Students with Autism are provided with access to general education students during their school day as deemed appropriate for student’s academic and social development.

Daily supervision and program planning for students with Autism is overseen primarily by the department Assistant Principal with support from the Campus Principal and Director of Enhanced Services. On staff, we have trained and experienced professionals, to support the development of students individual needs including a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Neuropsychologist, School Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech-Language Therapist, ASL Specialist, Language Development Specialist/Functional Communication Therapist, Behavior Specialists, School Counselors and Social Workers. MSD has a multidisciplinary team approach, including parent/caregivers, that design supports to meet the unique needs of the student.

Parent Support Group
MSD offers a Parent Support Group open to MSD parents and those across the State of Maryland, who have a deaf/hard of hearing child with Autism. The group is designed to be a welcoming environment for families and caregivers to share experiences, ask questions, and receive support.