The Skill Tree

The Skill Tree Learning to HUMAN one skill at a time!!

The Skill Tree is a dedicated learning hub for neurodivergent, autistic, and non-neurotypical individuals, offering a range of social and practical skill-building opportunities. Our goal is to empower individuals to thrive and succeed in a world that often isn’t designed with their unique needs in mind. Through tailored programs, we help participants develop the tools they need to navigate life confidently and on their own terms.

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

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

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, fa...
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.

Happy New Year from The Skill Tree As we step into a new year, we’re excited to continue supporting both our current mem...
01/01/2026

Happy New Year from The Skill Tree

As we step into a new year, we’re excited to continue supporting both our current members and those just joining our community. Helping our neurodivergent friends reach their goals, from small everyday wins to big life milestones, is what we are all about.

This year, we look forward to growing together, celebrating progress at every level, and creating a supportive space where everyone can build skills, confidence, and independence at their own pace.

Here’s to a year of growth, encouragement, and meaningful achievements.

This year, let’s rethink the typical “New Year, new me” mindset and instead focus on being our authentic selves. For man...
12/30/2025

This year, let’s rethink the typical “New Year, new me” mindset and instead focus on being our authentic selves. For many autistic individuals, especially those who’ve spent years trying to fit in or blend in, this often looks like masking, hiding natural traits, behaviors, or needs to appear more “typical.” Masking can feel necessary to avoid judgment or to cope in social situations, but it also takes a huge emotional and mental toll and can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a weakened sense of self.

Choosing to unmask doesn’t mean rejecting social success or connection. It means recognizing when you’re sacrificing your own comfort and identity just to meet someone else’s expectations. It means creating space for honesty, acceptance, and self-compassion. This year, let’s honor our true selves, give ourselves permission to lower the mask when we feel safe, and support one another in spaces where authenticity is celebrated.

New Year Reminders from The Skill Tree As we welcome 2026, we want to remind our community that celebration looks differ...
12/28/2025

New Year Reminders from The Skill Tree

As we welcome 2026, we want to remind our community that celebration looks different for everyone. Not every New Year needs noise, crowds, or big expectations. For many, comfort, predictability, and calm are the best ways to ring in a new year.

✨ Loud parties are optional
✨ Quiet spaces are always welcome
✨ Trying new foods is a choice, not a requirement
✨ Safe, supportive environments matter

Let’s start the year with kindness, understanding, and inclusion. At The Skill Tree, we believe that honoring individual needs is what makes our community strong, because joy doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.

As we celebrate the many holidays of this season and prepare to close out another incredible year, we want to take a mom...
12/25/2025

As we celebrate the many holidays of this season and prepare to close out another incredible year, we want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to our members, families, staff, and community for the trust, support, and love you bring into this space every day.

This year has been filled with growth, connection, laughter, and meaningful moments, and we are so grateful to be part of such a supportive and inclusive community. We celebrate all the traditions, cultures, and holidays that make this season special and honor each person who walks through our doors.

Wishing you peace, joy, warmth, and togetherness this holiday season and as we head into the new year. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead, together.

New Year’s Eve can be exciting, but for many autistic individuals it can also feel overwhelming. Fireworks, loud noises,...
12/22/2025

New Year’s Eve can be exciting, but for many autistic individuals it can also feel overwhelming. Fireworks, loud noises, bright lights, late nights, and changes in routine can all create sensory overload and anxiety. With a little planning, the celebration can be enjoyable, or comfortably skipped, in ways that honor individual needs.

Common challenges around New Year’s Eve include:
• Loud sounds like fireworks and party poppers
• Bright lights and visual overstimulation
• Disrupted routines and later bedtimes
• Large gatherings and increased social expectations

Tips for a sensory-friendly New Year’s celebration:
• Prepare ahead of time by talking through plans, using social stories, or creating a simple visual schedule
• Create a calm space at home with dim lighting, blankets, soothing music, or familiar comfort items
• Offer sensory-friendly alternatives like virtual fireworks on TV or a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration earlier in the day
• Use supports such as noise-canceling headphones or sensory bins for regulation
• Involve your child by letting them help choose decorations, snacks, or a favorite playlist
• Keep gatherings small and with people who understand and respect sensory needs
• Adjust sleep gradually in the days leading up if routines will shift

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, consider shifting the focus:
• Celebrate strengths and interests
• Keep goals small, achievable, and meaningful
• Focus on skills that support regulation, confidence, and independence

At The Skill Tree, we believe a successful New Year is one where everyone feels safe, supported, and understood. Celebration doesn’t have to be loud to be joyful, and progress doesn’t have to be big to matter

🎉 Happy 50th Birthday, Miss Tasha 🎉Today we celebrate Miss Tasha and everything she means to The Skill Tree. From our ce...
12/19/2025

🎉 Happy 50th Birthday, Miss Tasha 🎉

Today we celebrate Miss Tasha and everything she means to The Skill Tree. From our center, our members, and our parents, we want you to know how deeply appreciated you are.

Thank you for your heart, your dedication, and the love you pour into this community every single day. You create a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued, and that impact reaches far beyond these walls.

We wish you the happiest 50th birthday filled with joy, laughter, and the same warmth you give to all of us. We are so grateful for you

🎉 The party is TOMORROW at The Skill Tree 🎉We are so excited to welcome our community for our Free Fun 50 celebration ha...
12/18/2025

🎉 The party is TOMORROW at The Skill Tree 🎉

We are so excited to welcome our community for our Free Fun 50 celebration happening tomorrow from 6:00–9:00 PM.

✨ Dave Thoman from Dave’s Magic will be joining us from 7:00–8:30 PM with magic and balloon animals, plus we’ll have dancing, snacks, cake, and lots of fun planned for everyone.

Please let us know if you’re coming. We can’t wait to meet you and celebrate together 💛

You’re Invited to a Free Fun 50 at The Skill Tree The Skill Tree is inviting the entire community to help celebrate a ve...
12/17/2025

You’re Invited to a Free Fun 50 at The Skill Tree

The Skill Tree is inviting the entire community to help celebrate a very special milestone. Join us for a Free Fun 50 on Friday, December 19 from 6:00–9:00 PM.

Dave Thoman from Dave’s Magic will be joining us from 7:00–8:30 PM to dazzle us with magic and make balloon animals for everyone.

We’ll have:
• Dancing
• Snacks
• Cake
• Magic
• And FUN for all ages

This is a community celebration filled with joy, laughter, and connection. Help us turn 50 with the best people in the world.

Let us know if you can make it. We cannot wait to celebrate with you 💛

Address

1216 N Main Street
Hampstead, MD
21074

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+14439003999

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