The Skill Tree

01/28/2026

Hello Hampstead. We plan on opening our office tomorrow and would very much like to hire someone to shovel some snow for us. If anyone is able to help please reach out. Able to pay cash. Need two or three walkways from the road across the sidewalk.

01/27/2026

My beautiful mom’s Obituary. The Skill Tree will be closed on Friday, January 30th while our family celebrates her life. Thank you for everyone’s kindness and understanding during this painful time.

View Ann Jeanette Roelecke's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/26/2026

How cool is this? We didn’t need a study to tell us this… but we love seeing it confirmed!

New research shared by ScienceDaily highlights something many in the autism community already understand: autistic individuals express emotions differently — not less, just different.

The study found that facial expressions in autism may rely on different movement patterns and facial features than non-autistic expressions, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. But here’s the important part: this is not a lack of emotion. It’s simply a different emotional language.

We’ve always known that connection and understanding go both ways. This research is another reminder that difference does not equal deficit — and that learning to truly see and understand one another matters.

Science catching up to lived experience? We love to see it 💙

01/23/2026

National Pie Day, not to be confused with Pi Day celebrated on March 14, is a pie-tastic holiday falling smack dab in the middle of major pie-making season.

If you have a favorite Pie flavor let us know! If pie is not one of your safe foods, tell us if you would ever try a piece of pie or tell us why you absolutely hate pie!

01/22/2026

Tickets to DD Day are sold out, but you can still participate on February 18th! From 8 to 11 AM, the event will be livestreamed on the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition page to learn about key legislation affecting Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and professional supports.

01/22/2026

❄️ Snow Day Check-In from The Skill Tree ❄️

Looks like we’ll all be snowed in for a bit this weekend, so let’s have some fun together.

We want to hear from our amazing members and supporters. What will you be working on during the storm?

🧶 Crocheting or knitting
📚 Catching up on a good book
🎲 Playing games with family or friends
🎨 Creating something new
☕ Just cozying up and resting

Share in the comments and post your photos too. Let’s stay connected, creative, and inspired while the snow falls.

We can’t wait to see what everyone is up to!

01/16/2026

Curious about The Skill Tree? We love welcoming new faces. If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to schedule a tour or plan a casual drop-in to see our space, meet our team, and feel the heart of our community. Simply email admin@theskilltreemd.com to set up a time that works for you.

We cannot wait to connect with you!

01/14/2026

By now, you have probably seen the Barbie with autism. We have seen opinions from all sides of the internet, but the bottom line is this: representation matters. For those of us who are neurodivergent, seeing ourselves reflected in the world around us matters, especially for children who are still learning who they are. Having a Barbie that represents autism gives kids the opportunity to feel seen, understood, and included, and that is something worth celebrating.

Barbie's first autistic doll has been developed with sensory-sensitive features in mind. See how.

01/09/2026

We know how important health and fitness are for everyone in our community, and that includes the people we support at The Skill Tree.

Research shows that autistic children and adults are more likely to face challenges with physical activity due to differences in motor skills, coordination, and the social or sensory demands of traditional sports and games. These factors can make staying active harder and increase the risk of a sedentary lifestyle or weight concerns for some.

Here’s why that matters:
• Everyday movement supports overall health and energy
• Physical activity helps improve balance, coordination, and confidence
• Staying active can boost mood, social skills, and quality of life
• Finding welcoming and adapted ways to move makes it more fun and accessible

At The Skill Tree, we encourage and support healthy habits and physical wellness in ways that work for each member. Whether it’s walking, dance, adaptive games, yoga, or personalized movement routines, we want everyone to find joy in movement.

Let’s make health and happiness part of every day.

💚 Not all bodies move the same way — and that’s okay. What matters is finding what works for you.

01/07/2026

Did you know that nearly 90% of teens on the autism spectrum progress from a learner’s permit to an intermediate license within two years?

For comparison, about 98% of teens not affected by autism reach that same milestone in the same timeframe.

That means the gap is much smaller than many people expect, and it’s great news. With the right support, preparation, and practice, our neurodivergent friends are absolutely crushing it in the driving department.

Driving looks different for everyone. Confidence builds at different speeds. But the data shows there’s far more success here than nerves or stereotypes might suggest.

Here’s to celebrating progress, independence, and every milestone along the way.

01/06/2026

Welcome to a new year at The Skill Tree

As we step into this new year, we want to take a moment to thank our members, families, and community for being part of what makes this space so special. The Skill Tree is more than a building. It’s a place of connection, growth, and support, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

A few of our “Skill Tree resolutions” this year:
• Continue creating a safe, welcoming space for every individual
• Support growth, confidence, and independence at every age
• Expand our services to help even more people and families
• Keep learning, adapting, and growing right alongside our community

We can’t wait to see what this year brings and to continue growing together. Thank you for being part of The Skill Tree family.