Kennedy Krieger Institute

Kennedy Krieger Institute is a pediatric rehabilitation and special education organization that provides clinical care, therapeutic services, and educational programs for children with a wide range of developmental, neurological, and physical conditions. Its core offerings include outpatient and inpatient therapy, neuropsychological assessment, special education classrooms, and behavioral health support. The institute serves children and their families primarily from the Mid‑Atlantic region, while also accepting referrals from across the United States and internationally for specialized programs. In addition to direct patient care, Kennedy Krieger conducts research aimed at improving understanding and treatment of childhood disabilities and trains the next generation of clinicians, educators, and scientists. These activities are carried out through an integrated model that links patient care, scientific investigation, and professional training.

The institute distinguishes itself through its close affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine, which grants it access to leading academic resources and positions it within a major academic health system. This relationship enables Kennedy Krieger to translate research findings quickly into clinical practice and to participate in multicenter studies that shape national standards for pediatric neurodevelopmental care. The organization holds accreditation from relevant healthcare and educational bodies, reflecting its commitment to quality and safety standards. Its notable competencies include expertise in autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and neurobehavioral conditions, areas in which it has published influential research and developed innovative interventions. These strengths have established Kennedy Krieger as a referral center for complex pediatric cases that require multidisciplinary expertise.

Structurally, Kennedy Krieger Institute operates as a nonprofit entity and is a constituent member of the Johns Hopkins Health System, meaning it shares governance and strategic direction with the broader Johns Hopkins enterprise. This parent‑subsidiary relationship provides financial and operational support while allowing the institute to maintain its distinct mission focused on pediatric rehabilitation and education. The institute’s leadership reports to the Johns Hopkins Medicine board, ensuring alignment with the health system’s overall objectives. In May 2023, the organization experienced an external system breach that compromised personal information, including names and Social Security numbers, of hundreds of thousands of individuals, prompting the offer of two years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection to affected persons.