Whether the Howard County schools are dragging their feet on an evaluation or your child's IEP just isn't working, you don't have to navigate it alone — and Maryland is home turf for us. Below is a directory of the best special-education providers serving the Howard County area, from Columbia and Ellicott City out through the Baltimore–Washington corridor, every one chosen by real credentials. Then, you'll find free guides and templates to build your plan.
✓ Every provider here is vetted by credentials, never pay-to-play. How we choose →
Founded in 1957, a 12-month nonpublic coeducational K-8 school for students with autism, developmental disabilities, and communication disorders, approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Provides integrated speech and occupational therapy on site.
Nonpublic special-education school approved by the Maryland State Department of Education, serving grades K-8 students with emotional disabilities, operated by Catholic Charities of Baltimore. Provides therapeutic and clinical supports alongside academics.
Small independent nonpublic school for grades 1-8 students with language-based learning differences and dyslexia, using current research-based multisensory methodologies. Its Summit Resource Center provides diagnostic testing and Orton-Gillingham-style tutoring.
Therapeutic special-education day school providing individualized instruction in small, structured classrooms with a comprehensive range of specialized services, including a dedicated autism program for elementary and sensory learners. Operated by Specialized Education Services (SESI).
Operates MSDE-approved nonpublic full-day therapeutic education programs for students ages 11-21 with emotional/behavioral and multiple disabilities, with a campus serving the Baltimore region. Integrates clinical/therapeutic supports with academics.
An individualized, project-based special-education school for students with autism, learning disabilities and related challenges, with built-in speech, OT and social-skills support. Owings Mills campus.
A nonpublic special-education day school (K–12) serving students with autism, emotional and intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and speech/language impairment.
An MSDE-approved special-education school serving students ages 6–21 with autism and multiple disabilities, elementary through secondary, in Howard County near Baltimore.
A Maryland language-based learning school for students grades 1–12 with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and language-processing differences, in Carroll County near Baltimore.
Founded 1973, AIMS-accredited, grades 1–12. Built specifically for bright students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences, using the Wilson Reading System and Orton-Gillingham principles. One of the country's most respected dyslexia schools.
A K–8 school in Lutherville built for students diagnosed with dyslexia and language learning differences — a language-intensive, multisensory program tailored to each child.
A college- and career-prep program in Baltimore City built for students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, with arts-integrated, multisensory teaching.
These public schools and programs have a solid track record in special education — but we don’t re-check them every year. Staff, leadership, and programs change from building to building and year to year. Treat this as a strong starting point, and confirm the current fit for your child.
HCPSS is a consistently high-performing Howard County district that runs a continuum of special-education and autism support programs, plus Cedar Lane School, its own separate public special-education school in Columbia for students with significant needs. Programs and placements change year to year; verify current offerings with the district.
One of Maryland's largest districts, BCPS operates a continuum of special-education services including regional autism and learning-support programs across its schools. Programs and placements change year to year; verify current offerings with the district.
City Schools provides a full continuum of special-education services and early-intervention supports (via the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program) for students with disabilities. Programs and placements change year to year; verify current offerings.
AACPS provides a continuum of special-education services from in-school supports to regional and specialty programs serving students with autism and other disabilities across the southern Baltimore metro. Programs and placements change year to year; verify current offerings.
Founded by Dr. Carrington R. Wendell, PhD, ABPP-CN, a board-certified neuropsychologist licensed in Maryland. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation; appointment-based practice near Baltimore in Severna Park.
The region's gold standard. Its Center for Neuropsychological & Psychological Assessment is staffed by ABPP board-certified pediatric neuropsychologists (Drs. Salorio, Scarborough, Kramer, Cannon) — the rigorous, school-ready evaluations that anchor a strong IEP.
Dr. Vanessa Scarborough, PhD, ABPP — board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist in Lutherville. Evaluations for ADHD, learning disabilities and developmental disorders, with IEP/504 school-meeting participation.
A Baltimore nonprofit (since 1985) providing FREE one-on-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring to lower-income children and adults with dyslexia. A genuine community treasure.
An International Dyslexia Association provider in Columbia offering multisensory, structured-literacy dyslexia tutoring plus executive-function coaching for students across the Baltimore–Howard corridor.
A Baltimore nonprofit (since 1985, at The Rotunda) providing FREE one-on-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring to lower-income children and adults with dyslexia. A genuine community treasure.
Tutors trained by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham, serving Baltimore and Harford Counties with systematic, multisensory instruction for decoding and comprehension.
A small, well-regarded pediatric practice providing licensed speech, occupational, and physical therapy across greater Baltimore in a warm, non-hospital setting.
A pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy practice serving greater Baltimore since 2012, with licensed clinicians.
An interdisciplinary developmental evaluation clinic (developmental pediatrician, psychologist, SLP, OT, PT) that evaluates and diagnoses autism and developmental delays in children.
Developmental-behavioral pediatricians, psychologists and neuropsychologists providing consultation, evaluation and diagnosis for autism, ADHD, learning problems and developmental disorders from birth through age 21.
A Towson practice led by Dr. Jason Emejuru, MD (board-certified child/adolescent/adult psychiatrist, Johns Hopkins & Kennedy Krieger-trained) diagnosing and treating autism, ADHD, anxiety and OCD in young people.
Board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatricians and neurodevelopmental specialists who evaluate and diagnose developmental and learning differences — the medical anchor many strong IEPs are built on.
A Baltimore law firm focused on special-education and IEP law, representing families in IEP/504 disputes with school districts under IDEA and Section 504.
A Maryland special-education and disability law firm whose attorneys are COPAA members, representing children with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504 through IEP/504 advocacy and due process.
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates' searchable directory lists only active, vetted special-education advocates and attorneys — the field's real professional standard. (COPAA is headquartered right here in Towson, MD.)
A trusted local nonprofit offering special-education law information and parent-advocacy support for Baltimore-area families.
Loyola's training clinics (psychology, literacy, and speech-language) provide low-cost, sliding-scale evaluations and services for children across the Baltimore area.
The UMD Psychology Clinic (College Park) offers year-round, sliding-fee psychoeducational assessment — LD, IQ, and ADHD testing — for families across Maryland and the greater DC area.
Federally funded and free — they help Maryland families understand their rights, the IEP/504 process, evaluations, and meetings. A great first call.
Maryland's protection & advocacy agency — free legal-rights information and help if your child's rights are being denied.
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How do I start the special-education process in Howard County?
Put your request in writing to your child's school, asking for a full special-education evaluation — that is the legal first step. On A New Story you'll find a free, ready-to-send evaluation-request letter you can use today.
How long does a special-education evaluation take?
Once you give written consent, the school generally must complete the evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting within a set timeline (often around 60 days, though it varies by state). Putting your request in writing starts the clock.
Can my school district pay for a private special-education school?
Sometimes. If the public school can't provide an appropriate education, the district can be required to fund a state-approved nonpublic placement. It isn't automatic — it takes the right evaluation and advocacy — but families do it every year, including ones with limited funds.
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services under IDEA; a 504 plan provides accommodations under civil-rights law. A New Story's free guides walk you through which one fits your child.
Where can I find free special-education help in Howard County?
A New Story lists credential-vetted schools, evaluators, therapists, advocates, and the free public programs and parent centers in Maryland — searchable by ZIP, and free forever.