The Kennedy Krieger Institute () is a

nonprofit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

501(c)(3) A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of ...

tax-exempt,

Johns Hopkins Johns Hopkins (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873) was an American merchant, investor, and philanthropist. Born on a plantation, he left his home to start a career at the age of 17, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland where he remained for most ...

affiliate located in

Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore wa ...

, that provides in-patient and out-patient medical care, community services, and school based programs for children and adolescents with

learning disabilities Learning disability, learning disorder, or learning difficulty (British English) is a condition in the brain that causes difficulties comprehending or processing information and can be caused by several different factors. Given the "difficult ...

, as well as disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system. The Institute provides services for children with developmental concerns mild to severe and is involved in research into various disorders, including new interventions and earlier diagnosis.

History and mission

Kennedy Krieger Institute opened its doors in 1937 when Winthrop Phelps, an orthopedic surgeon from Baltimore, responded to a direct need for treatment for individuals with

cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time, but include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems with sens ...

. Phelps founded the Children's Rehabilitation Institute, the first treatment facility in the country dedicated solely to children with cerebral palsy. The institute was renamed to the Kennedy Institute in 1968 in the memory of President John F. Kennedy who enacted the Medical Training Act during his administration, to protect the rights and improve the lives of persons with disabilities. In 1992, the name was changed again to Kennedy Krieger to honor original board member and long-time supporter, Zanvyl Krieger. Since it has opened, Kennedy Krieger Institute has evolved into an international resource for children with diverse brain-related disorders, from mild learning disabilities to rare genetic disorders. Kennedy Krieger provides medical care and schooling, in addition to its involvement in research.

Core areas of focus

Patient care

Kennedy Krieger treats more than 19,000 children annually. The Institute practices early identification, intervention, and treatment of disabilities to maximize potential and to prevent major problems throughout a child's life. Kennedy Krieger brings all the disciplines to bear science, medicine, therapy on the problems and injuries that affect a child's development. The institute's interdisciplinary approach brings together a team of professionals from various fields and departments to create treatment plans tailored to the special needs of each child throughout all stages of care.

Research

Kennedy Krieger scientists research to prevent and cure pediatric neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries and developmental disabilities. The institute's work has yielded answers that are improving the treatment and care of children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. A team of international scientists and investigators at Kennedy Krieger is working to isolate culprit genes and develop new treatment models and therapies. The institute has a swift transfer of research to patient care. The institute received a $1.5 million grant in early 2010 to perform

brain cancer A brain tumor occurs when abnormal cells form within the brain. There are two main types of tumors: malignant tumors and benign (non-cancerous) tumors. These can be further classified as primary tumors, which start within the brain, and second ...

research.

Special education

The Kennedy Krieger School is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School of excellence and a leader in providing model programs of innovative education for children ages 6 to 21 with a wide range of learning, emotional, physical, neurological and developmental disabilities. Education occurs in a variety of day-school settings and in partnership settings within public schools. The goal of Kennedy Krieger Institute's Department of Special Education is to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities in a variety of school-based, hospital-based and recreational settings.

Community programs

At Kennedy Krieger, the faculty and staff advance the treatment of developmental disabilities only by sharing knowledge with individuals and organizations throughout the local communities, across the country, and around the world. The cornerstone of these efforts is the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute. The Center focuses on professional training, community service, research, and information dissemination.

Professional training

In addition to the other core areas of focus, Kennedy Krieger also provides training opportunities to increase the number of qualified specialists in the field of neurological and developmental disabilities. Each year, more than 400 individuals come to Kennedy Krieger to train with experts in many fields, including audiology, pediatrics, and nursing. The institute also funds the training of the next generation of researchers.

Scientific breakthroughs

Adrenoleukodystrophy

Adrenoleukodystrophy Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a disease linked to the X chromosome. It is a result of fatty acid buildup caused by peroxisomal fatty acid beta oxidation which results in the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in tissues throughout the ...

(ALD) is a rare genetic disorder of the brain that occurs only in males. The fatal condition destroys the nervous system, often leaving the victim unable to walk, and talk normally. For many years ALD took the lives of many and continues to do so today. In 1987, Augusto and Michaela Odone, parents of a child affected by ALD, invented Lorenzo's oil as a treatment for the disease. Their story was in the 1992 Universal Studios motion picture, ''

Lorenzo's Oil ''Lorenzo's Oil'' is a 1992 American drama film directed and co-written by George Miller. It is based on the true story of Augusto and Michaela Odone, parents who search for a cure for their son Lorenzo's adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), leading t ...

'', starring

Nick Nolte Nicholas King Nolte (born February 8, 1941) is an American actor. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1991 film ''The Prince of Tides''. He received ...

and

Susan Sarandon Susan Abigail Sarandon (; née Tomalin; born October 4, 1946) is an American actorMcCabe, Bruce"Susan Sarandon, the 'actor'" ''Boston Globe''. April 17, 1981. Retrieved January 21, 2021. and activist. She is the recipient of various accolades, ...

Hugo Moser Hugo Moser (Buenos Aires, April 14, 1926 – Buenos Aires, December 16, 2003) was an Argentine Television producer, television/film producer and screenwriter. In 1977 he directed ''Basta de mujeres''. Moser died on December 16, 2003, at the age ...

, a renowned scientist at Kennedy Krieger Institute, joined forces with the Odone's, ultimately proving that their treatment,

Lorenzo's oil ''Lorenzo's Oil'' is a 1992 American drama film directed and co-written by George Miller. It is based on the true story of Augusto and Michaela Odone, parents who search for a cure for their son Lorenzo's adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), leading t ...

, can prevent the onset of ALD if begun before neurological symptoms appear. Moser and colleagues also created the first diagnostic test for ALD, as well as a newborn screening test that can detect the disease from birth. On January 20, 2007, Dr. Hugo Moser died of complications from surgery to treat

pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas, a glandular organ behind the stomach, begin to multiply out of control and form a mass. These cancerous cells have the ability to invade other parts of the body. A number of types of pancr ...

. Today, Moser's wife, Ann B. Moser, continues this work at Kennedy Krieger. In 2008, she helped to launch a pilot study to screen for ALD in 5,000 newborns born in local Baltimore hospitals, the results of which will be used to advocate for nationwide newborn screening for this disorder.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a large focus of the institute's research and clinical programs. Autism is typically diagnosed by age three, however the institute's research is focused on detecting signs of the disorder even earlier. One of the pioneers of autism research today is Dr. Rebecca Landa, Director of the Center for Autism & Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger. Landa has discovered that some babies begin to show risk factors for autism as early as 14 months of age. Her work also focuses on developing early intervention models for toddlers with autism that help to improve a child's social, language, and cognitive skills. The institute's expertise in the diagnose and treatment of

autism The autism spectrum, often referred to as just autism or in the context of a professional diagnosis autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental condition (or conditions) characterized by difficulti ...

is internationally recognized and its president, Gary Goldstein, is an oft-cited authority. Kennedy Krieger runs the Interactive Autism Network, an online national autism registry, launched in 2007.

Spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that causes temporary or permanent changes in its function. Symptoms may include loss of muscle function, sensation, or autonomic function in the parts of the body served by the spinal cor ...

(SCI) causes damage to nerve roots and fibers that carry messages to and from the brain. Spinal cord injuries can result from physical trauma, tumors, developmental disorders or a number of different diseases. In 1995,

Christopher Reeve Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, best known for playing the title character in the film '' Superman'' (1978) and three sequels. Born in New York City and raised in Princeton, New Jersey ...

, known for his role in all three Superman movies, was thrown from his horse and landed headfirst into a fence shattering his first and second vertebrae. Reeve's cervical spinal injury paralyzed him from the neck down. Reeve sought the aid of John McDonald, who was working at

Washington University Washington University in St. Louis (WashU or WUSTL) is a private research university with its main campus in St. Louis County, and Clayton, Missouri. Founded in 1853, the university is named after George Washington. Washington University is r ...

in St. Louis, Missouri. After extensive activity-based therapies, Reeve was able to wiggle his toes and move a couple of fingers. Reeve died in 2004; however, his achievements shined light on everyone affected by spinal cord injuries. McDonald left St. Louis and officially opened the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute on June 14, 2005. ICSCI is one of the first centers to have a focus specifically on children with chronic spinal cord injuries and paralysis. The center utilizes innovative activity-based therapies such as FES cycling,

aquatic therapy Aquatic therapy refers to treatments and exercises performed in water for relaxation, fitness, physical rehabilitation, and other therapeutic benefit. Typically a qualified aquatic therapist gives constant attendance to a person receiving treat ...

, and partial weight supported walking to help patients regain sensation and feeling in their bodies. The center combines clinical research with a focus on restoration and rehabilitation for children and adults with chronic paralysis.
International Center for Spinal Cord Injury

Schooling/special education

*Kennedy Krieger Lower/Middle School The Kennedy Krieger Lower/Middle School located at the Fairmount campus in Baltimore serves students in grades pre-K through 8. The school's preschool is a full day program focusing on the core deficits of autism for children ages 3–5. Students in the elementary and middle grades are carefully grouped for instruction that is aligned with national standards and guided by the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards. *Kennedy Krieger High School (KKHS) The Kennedy Krieger High School is a special education day program on the Greenspring campus in Baltimore, serving more than 200 students aged 14–21. The children come from many Maryland school districts, the District of Columbia and from neighboring states to enroll in either 10 or 11 month programs. Industry training and work-based learning is emphasized for all students, who can graduate with either a Maryland high school diploma or a certificate of completion. *Kennedy Krieger School LEAP Program The Kennedy Krieger School LEAP Program (Life skills and Education for Students with Autism and other Pervasive Behavioral Challenges) serves students with severe autism in a 12-month day program. LEAP consists of 65 students in 10 different classrooms and it has a supportive 1:1 staff to student ratio. *Montgomery County campus The Montgomery County campus of Kennedy Krieger School opened in 2007 and primarily serves students with autism spectrum disorders. Students in grades 3-8 are on a high school diploma track, while students aged 11–21 can work towards a certificate of completion.

Frequently seen diagnoses

Autism The autism spectrum, often referred to as just autism or in the context of a professional diagnosis autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental condition (or conditions) characterized by difficulti ...

Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) *Behavioral disorders *Bone disorders *

Brain injury An injury is any physiological damage to living tissue caused by immediate physical stress. An injury can occur intentionally or unintentionally and may be caused by blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, burning, toxic exposure, asphyxiation, or o ...

Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary among people and over time, but include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems with sens ...

Down syndrome Down syndrome or Down's syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is usually associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual d ...

*Feeding disorders *

Intellectual disabilities Intellectual disability (ID), also known as general learning disability in the United Kingdom and formerly mental retardation,Rosa's Law, Pub. L. 111-256124 Stat. 2643(2010). is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by signifi ...

Learning disabilities Learning disability, learning disorder, or learning difficulty (British English) is a condition in the brain that causes difficulties comprehending or processing information and can be caused by several different factors. Given the "difficult ...

* Mental health disorders *

Metabolic disorders A metabolic disorder is a disorder that negatively alters the body's processing and distribution of macronutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Metabolic disorders can happen when abnormal chemical reactions in the body alter the ...

*Muscular disorders *Neurodevelopmental disabilities *

Seizure disorders Epilepsy is a group of non-communicable neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking due to abnormal electrica ...

Spina bifida Spina bifida (Latin for 'split spine'; SB) is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the spine and the membranes around the spinal cord during early development in pregnancy. There are three main types: spina bifida occulta, men ...

and

paralysis Paralysis (also known as plegia) is a loss of motor function in one or more muscles. Paralysis can also be accompanied by a loss of feeling (sensory loss) in the affected area if there is sensory damage. In the United States, roughly 1 in 5 ...

Sturge–Weber syndrome Sturge–Weber syndrome, sometimes referred to as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, is a rare congenital neurological and skin disorder. It is one of the phakomatoses and is often associated with port-wine stains of the face, glaucoma, seizures, ...

Care settings

*Inpatient *Outpatient *Day treatment *Home, school, and community

President/CEOs

*Dr. Bradley Schlaggar (2018–present) *Dr. Gary Goldstein (1988–2018) *Dr.

(1976–1988) *Dr. Matthew Debuskey (1975–1976) *Dr. Robert Haslam (1970–1975) *Dr. Frederick Richardson (1967–1969) *Dr. Winthrop Phelps (1937–1967)

Affiliated programs

PACT:Helping Children with Special Needs

References

External links

* {{authority control Cerebral palsy organizations Hospital buildings completed in 1937 Hospitals established in 1937 Hospitals in Baltimore Johns Hopkins University Middle East, Baltimore 1937 establishments in Maryland Organizations for children with health issues Children's hospitals in the United States