The Skill Tree

08/28/2025

We are thrilled to celebrate Viraj Dhanda, who — starting this fall — will become MIT’s first-ever non-speaking student with autism.

Viraj, diagnosed at age 2 with autism and apraxia, was tragically misdiagnosed as intellectually disabled for over a decade. Yet he never lost sight of who he truly was: someone with a brilliant, fully functioning mind. Through perseverance and a life-changing breakthrough with assistive communication technology, he began expressing his thoughts — one letter at a time — and ultimately showed the world the power of believing in one's potential. Today, he types his way into MIT with confidence, character, and courage.

Viraj, your story is an inspiration. Your journey reminds us all that communication is so much more than speaking — it's about being seen, understood, and celebrated. Congratulations on this momentous milestone. We can’t wait to see all the incredible things you'll do on the MIT campus and beyond!

Viraj Dhanda's norm-shattering acceptance was made all the more poignant because he was considered intellectually challenged for the first 14 years of his life.

08/25/2025

Parents this ONE is for YOU!
I have been asked a million times about starting a support/friend/advise/just get me out of the house group just for neuro-spicy parents so here it is!

Let’s do this! I am putting the feeler out to see who would be interested in a 1-2 hour once a month parents only afternoon or evening. I was thinking one hour-ish devoted to discussion on topics that affect us and then one hour doing something fun and just for us!

This would be a free, monthly event that people can participate in hosted at The Skill Tree. All I need now is to know the interest level before I put it together. Leave a message letting know your thoughts on dates, times and topics. I would love to have our first meeting as soon as September!!

08/24/2025

We are so excited to host our FIRST Skill Tree End of Summer Pool Party!! Today is all about celebrating everything our members have achieved this summer! Coming up on our 1 year anniversary!! Going swimming now!!

08/21/2025

We’re so proud to be nominated for Best Mental Health Services and would be grateful for your support. At The Skill Tree, we’re dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals with life skills, social skills, and the confidence to thrive.

👉 Don’t forget—you can vote once a day! Every vote helps us continue making a difference for our community.

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us grow.

Check it out now!

08/18/2025

We’re honored to be nominated for Carroll’s Best!

Your support means the world to us, and now we’d love your help to bring home the win. You can vote once a day—every day—so be sure to show your support and cast your vote online!

Thank you for cheering us on and for being the best part of our community. 💙

Check it out now!

08/18/2025

We are BACK! After a much needed vacation we can not wait to see our peeps! Dont forget we are hosting a swim party on Sunday August 24th from 1-4!

Are you curious to see what we are all about? Head over to our website and get all the details, shoot us a message or better yet take advantage of our two free sessions policy and join the fun!!

See you at The Skill Tree!!

08/14/2025

Hey friends — we know the transition back to school can be a lot, especially for our neurodivergent community. That’s why it’s so important to start easing back into your school-year routine now — not the night before!

✅ Shift your sleep schedule gradually
✅ Revisit morning & evening routines
✅ Practice organizing your backpack or workspace
✅ Schedule skill-building sessions before the first day

By getting back into your groove early, you can reduce stress, get better rest, and start the year feeling confident and prepared.

💡 Need extra support? We’re here to help you strengthen your social, emotional, and executive functioning skills before the bell rings!

08/12/2025

Have you voted yet?

It takes around 5 minutes and you get to be your very own judge for the best of everything Carroll County, you can pick all your favorite food spots and while you're there please drop a vote for us in the mental health category.

Check it out now!

08/07/2025

A new study from Indiana University is making waves—and for good reason. Researchers have developed an AI-powered diagnostic tool that may help detect Autism and ADHD faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Using motion tracking and deep learning, this test analyzes simple finger-tapping movements to identify neurodivergent patterns—with about 70% accuracy in just minutes. That’s the kind of progress that could shorten the long, stressful wait for answers that so many families face.

💡 At The Skill Tree, we’re passionate about early intervention and meaningful support. Innovations like this give us hope for faster access to care—and better outcomes—for our neurodivergent kids.

🔗 Read more about the exciting research here:
https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/iu-researchers-unveil-rapid-diagnostic-tool-for-autism-and-adhd

Researchers at Indiana University are developing a new test that could dramatically shorten the time it takes to diagnose autism and ADHD.

08/05/2025

Back-to-School Is Around the Corner—Have You Secured Your Spot at The Skill Tree?

As the school year ramps up, so do social expectations, routines, and transitions—and The Skill Tree is here to help your neurodivergent child navigate it all with confidence.

🌱 From life skills and social groups to executive functioning and emotional regulation, our programs are built to support growth in a safe, empowering environment.

📆 Spots are filling quickly for fall—don’t wait to claim yours!
Let’s make this school year one of connection, confidence, and capability.

📞 Contact us today to enroll!

08/01/2025

August is National Wellness Month — a time to pause, recharge, and care for ourselves.

For our neurodivergent community, wellness is a spectrum—just like autism. What brings peace, balance, and joy looks different for everyone, and that’s something to honor and celebrate.

Whether it’s setting boundaries, taking sensory breaks, building social connections, or just having a safe space to be you, The Skill Tree is here to support your journey with compassion and tools tailored to your version of wellness. 💚

This month (and every month), we remind you: you deserve care too.

07/31/2025

It’s Friday AND the last day of the month—a perfect time to check in on your growth.

At The Skill Tree, we focus on building real-life, everyday skills that make independence and connection possible—from the basics to the big stuff.

🍳 Cooking & kitchen safety
💸 Budgeting & money management
🧠 Job readiness & workplace skills
🤝 Making friends & navigating relationships
🏠 Life skills, personal safety & more

Whether you're just getting started or ready to take on advanced goals, we’re here to walk the journey with you—one skill at a time. 🌱