Finding resources for students with learning differences can be daunting for a parent.
To make your search easier, we have curated a list of highly recommended professionals in Annapolis and surrounding areas.
As educators deeply committed to the holistic development of all students, we understand the complexities that parents of students with learning differences face in the educational landscape of Maryland. Locating the appropriate resources and support systems tailored to each child's unique needs can appear daunting. In response, this blog has been curated to offer a comprehensive guide for parents, ensuring they are well-equipped to access the array of local and online resources, services, and communities that provide invaluable assistance in this educational journey. Let's explore these opportunities together to ensure every student's potential is realized.
This list of resources for parents of students with learning differences has been compiled based on suggestions from Wye River Upper School families and input from our faculty and staff.
EVALUATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
Where should I go to have my child tested?
Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Mosk is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with people across the lifespan. She has specialized training in working with children and adolescents, providing comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. Dr. Mosk provides a supportive environment and works with a collaborative approach to treatment.
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD, MD, LCSW, LCPC
Waypoint Wellness Center was founded in 2015 and offers individual, family, and couples psychotherapy as well as medication management in a welcoming, private practice setting. In addition, Waypoint offers psychological, neuropsychological, and psycho-educational testing. Our providers utilize evidence-based approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to provide therapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. With offices in Annapolis, Severna Park, and Linthicum, they also provide telehealth services.
They provide therapy, assessment, and psychiatric services of the highest caliber to children, teens, and adults with a wide range of mental health and family relationship concerns. They treat and assess clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, family communication difficulties, and other mental health and behavioral issues.
They pride themselves in providing quality services privately to clients in Annapolis, Maryland, and the surrounding regions. They will walk you through the process and monitor your treatment.
Offering a range of testing options, from brief psychiatric diagnostic clarification evaluations to comprehensive psycho-educational testing batteries. Dr. Eryn Kruger & Dr. Sarah Mealy, their expert assessment Psychologists, can offer cost-effective options for children (2.5 years +), adolescents, and young adults.
Common diagnoses/difficulties identified or clarified through evaluations include:
ADHD
Specific Learning Disabilities
Anxiety
Depression and other mood disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Global Developmental Delay
Intellectual Disability
Behavioral Disorders
OCD
Annapolis Child and Family Therapy offers exceptional scientifically-based services to treat ADHD and Executive Functioning (EF) concerns. ADHD and EF specialty services are led by Dr. Amy Altszuler, an expert clinician and well-published researcher in the area of ADHD and related concerns.
Annapolis Pediatrics is committed to providing superior healthcare for your children. Because at least 1 in 5 children have a developmental or behavioral concern, they have dedicated staff and resources for assessing and managing patients and their families with these concerns.
Please ask your primary Annapolis Pediatrics provider if further evaluation by their Behavioral Health team would be appropriate for:
Learning difficulties
Attention or concentration difficulty, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Excessive worries, fears, or anxieties
Repetitive behaviors or thoughts
Behavior problems
Mood concerns
As a side note, they will require an Annapolis Pediatrics provider to complete a physical exam within the past year before scheduling an appointment with their Behavioral Health team.
Bridgewater Psychology & Learning Center provides integrative, unique, and collaborative psychological and educational services—where each step of the plan has been developed with your whole child in mind. They understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach to assessment, therapy, or school-based intervention. Their specialty is providing exceptional support to exceptional youth and families. Seeking support can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when the person you’re worried about is your child. They are here to help.
RECREATIONAL SUPPORT FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
Are there organized recreational activities for children with learning differences?
Maryland Therapeutic Riding’s licensed therapists and certified instructors work with horses' healing and therapeutic power to improve the balance, strength, muscle tone, self-image, self-confidence, and quality of life for individuals with special needs. As a premier accredited center of PATH Intl., MTR operates under professionally designed safety and therapeutic standards.
For over 35 years, Annapolis, Maryland, has been the primary home for Brendan Sailing. Hundreds of campers have participated in their Annapolis Sessions, contributing to building confidence and social skills through sailing.
Their Annapolis beach-based program is led by US Sailing certified instructors who work with individual students to discover their individual learning styles. The Brendan Sailing Curriculum covers an introduction to the sport of sailing, including the parts of the boat, maneuvers, navigation, and the Rules of the Road that follow the National On-Water Standards. Their instructors use a hands-on approach to teach sailing and seamanship, with an emphasis on building confidence and developing basic sailing skills. On the final day of both sessions, parents can see the skills they have acquired by joining their camper for a sail on the last day of the session.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
Chesapeake Speech Language Associates provides pediatric speech and language therapy services in Annapolis and Stevensville, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Since 1998, their private practice has provided a family-friendly environment for evaluating and treating various communication and developmental disorders, auditory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, fluency disorders, and feeding disorders.
EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATES AND LEGAL SUPPORT
If you are advocating for your child, it is possible that you may need to seek advice from a lawyer. Here are a few options to consider.
Currently serving the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, including Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore.
A team of special education experts who work collaboratively with all involved professionals to design and review individualized plans, helping each child reach his or her unique potential.
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is Maryland’s designated Protection & Advocacy agency (formerly known as “Maryland Disability Law Center”). DRM is federally mandated to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities.
They provide free legal services to Marylanders of any age with all types of disabilities (developmental, intellectual, psychiatric, physical, sensory, learning, traumatic brain injury) who live in facilities, in the community, or who are homeless.
DRM envisions a world where people with disabilities are fully included in the workplace, neighborhoods, and all aspects of community life. They help people with disabilities pursue opportunities to participate fully in all aspects of community life and champion their rights to self-determination, dignity, equality, opportunity, and freedom from discrimination and harm. Our 2023 Advocacy Service Plan (PDF) outlines the services that take priority considering DRM’s limited resources. The annual plan is a product of community input and DRM’s expertise in providing legal services to Marylanders with disabilities.
DRM maximizes resources by using an array of advocacy strategies, including information and referral, advice and counsel, outreach and education, monitoring and investigations, training and technical assistance, coalition and policy work, individual representation, impact litigation, and support for self-advocacy.
The Anne Arundel Citizens' Advisory Committee (AA-SECAC) is a partnership between parents, families, community leaders, advocates, educators, and administrators. The committee works to enhance services available to students with disabilities and to advocate for positive changes in special education in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
In wrapping up, we want to emphasize that the journey of students with learning differences is unique, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Wye River Upper School, we're more than just a school; we're your partners in this adventure. We hope this blog has given you the insights and resources you need to make this journey smoother. Remember, there's a whole community here to support you and your child in reaching their full potential and achieving their academic and personal goals. So, don't hesitate to explore all the opportunities Wye River Upper School offers – as we work together toward educational excellence.
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