Kennedy Krieger Institute
This is where HOPE happens.
Since 1937, Kennedy Krieger Institute has been improving the lives of children of all ages from Maryland, across the U.S., and around the world, especially those who think, learn, move, feel, and experience life differently. Focused almost exclusively on nervous system diseases and disorders of the brain and spinal cord—everything “neuro”—we match each child with a personalized care plan that may include an interdisciplinary team and customized treatment.
With one in six U.S. children—more than 12 million—affected by a neurological condition, our research, clinical trials, exceptional patient care, and educational programs are critical and life-changing. We surround patients, students, and families with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support because this is where hope happens.
PATIENT CARE Evaluation and Treatment
RESEARCH AND TRAINING Programs and Studies
30,000 NEARLY (in 2025)
99,272
PATIENTS SERVED
800 NEARLY
ACTIVE RESEARCH STUDIES
196
RESEARCHERS
1,145 TRAINEES IN 34 DISCIPLINES
We have an inpatient hospital and outpatient centers that provide medical, psychological and neurorehabilitative care.
Our 16-bed Neurobehavioral Unit is one of the only programs in the country treating children with severe behavioral disorders.
Our Specialized Transition Program operates as a day hospital, offering children the therapies and medical treatments they need, as well as classroom instruction
Kennedy Krieger is home to a unique collaboration of experts in rare diseases from various disciplines. Our clinicians, genetic counselors, research scientists and rehabilitation professionals work together to provide optimal interdisciplinary care for patients.
Researchers include:
Dr. Amy Bastian, Chief Science Officer and Founder of the Center for Movement Studies, is exploring how to help children with motor disorders, such as cerebellar ataxia or poststroke hemiparesis, move more easily so they can more fully experience the world.
Dr. Anne M. Comi, Director, Hunter Nelson Sturge-Weber Syndrome Center, and her team discovered the gene that causes SturgeWeber. Their ongoing work is improving the early diagnosis and treatment of brain involvement in the neurological condition.
INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Behavioral disorders
• Bone disorders
• Brain injury and concussion
• Cerebral palsy
• Communication disorders
• Developmental disorders
• Down syndrome
SPECIAL EDUCATION Schools and Programs
485
STUDENTS
FROM MORE THAN 15 SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN MARYLAND, VIRGINIA & D.C. (in 2025–2026)
Lower/Middle School
High School
LEAP
D.C.-Area School
Southern Md. School
750
SCHOOL STAFF
including teachers and clinical specialists, providing robust support for students
We educate children with highly complex conditions in some cases, our students have been unable to receive services anywhere else.
We offer five schools for students with autism spectrum disorder and/or other neurodevelopmental disorders in Baltimore, Prince George’s County, and St. Mary’s County.
Our school interdisciplinary teams include teaching staff members and licensed clinical specialists from a variety of fields. This ensures a collaborative approach to our students’ success.
Our schools operate 11 months a year and serve a variety of student needs. Some students prepare to return to their home schools, while others work toward a diploma or certificate of completion
• Epilepsy
• Feeding disorders
• Learning disorders
• Long COVID-19
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neurogenetics and rare neurogenetic diseases
• Rehabilitation
• Sleep disorders
• Spina bifida
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• Tic disorders
COMMUNITY Programs and Resources
955
PATIENTS
& FAMILIES received legal help from Project HEAL
145 COMMUNITY
TRAINING SESSIONS
conducted by MCDD
965
CHILDREN with special needs placed in LOVING foster or respite CARE since 1987
29
ADAPTIVE SPORTS
PROGRAMS
for children and adults
Neurodiversity at Work supports 50 individuals across five counties in Maryland in meaningful, communitybased programming, bolstering engagement, employment and volunteering.
We offer community and early childhood development and education programs for children with and without disabilities.
Through our Resource Finder, patients and their families learn about available resources to help with at-home care, transportation and other needs.
The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute focuses on professional training, community service, information dissemination and research.
happens every day, for
where
and families. Through powerful patient journeys and the compassion of dedicated donors, lives are transformed. Together, we can reach more patients, students, and families and build brighter futures.
“It was a long 5.5 years, not knowing what we were dealing with.”
–
Emmy’s parents
After years of uncertainty, Emmy’s parents found hope from the team at Kennedy Krieger that never gave up in their search for answers about the rare disease their family called Emmy Syndrome.
To read more, visit: KennedyKrieger.org/Emmy
“Kennedy Krieger didn’t give me my old life back. They helped me build a hopeful new one.”
– Glenn Rosenthal
A rare spinal cord condition suddenly made it difficult for Glenn to move his left leg. At Kennedy Krieger, he received the care he needed to get up and running again.
To read more, visit: KennedyKrieger.org/Glenn
“We partner with Kennedy Krieger because it supports families and changes lives.”
– Dr. Bryan O. Buckley
CareFirst and its dedicated employees, who call themselves “different makers,” have been committed supporters of Kennedy Krieger Institute for the past decade.
To read more, visit: KennedyKrieger.org/CareFirst
“When you give to Kennedy Krieger Institute…you’re contributing to the transformation of lives.”
– Shellie Williams
Kennedy Krieger’s Chief Nursing Officer Shellie Williams, MSN, MHA, RN, CRRN is known for her tireless dedication to the Institute, which has inspired her children to follow in her footsteps.
To read more, visit: KennedyKrieger.org/Shellie
Want to learn how you can get involved to help kids and families? Visit KennedyKrieger.org/Foundation or call 443-923-7300
Interested in more information about Kennedy Krieger? Visit KennedyKrieger.org or use the QR code.