The Skill Tree

10/23/2026

Did You Know Your Local Library Is One of the BEST Places for Neurodivergent-Friendly Fun?

At The Skill Tree, we're always looking for ways to help our members and friends in the community discover new experiences, build connections, and have FUN!

And one of our favorite community resources is right in our own backyard: Carroll County Public Library!

Libraries are so much more than books! They're welcoming spaces where people of all ages and abilities can explore their interests, learn something new, and connect with others.

For our autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent friends, libraries can be especially wonderful because they offer opportunities to participate at your own pace, explore special interests, and discover activities that match your comfort level.

And the activities? There are SO MANY!

From arts and crafts, STEM programs, and LEGO activities to storytimes, games, workshops, and community events, there's always something new to discover. Some programs may even offer sensory-friendly experiences!

Our reminder to Skill Tree members, families, and the entire community: Don't overlook this incredible FREE resource!

Visit https://library.carr.org/ to explore the library's calendar of events, find activities that interest you, and register for upcoming programs. Be sure to check individual event details for age groups, accessibility information, and registration requirements.

Sometimes the best opportunities for learning, friendship, and fun are closer than you think!

10/20/2026

You probably know Simon Pegg from Mission: Impossible, Shaun of the Dead, or Star Trek, but his recent openness about ADHD has us talking about something we LOVE at The Skill Tree: embracing neurodivergence!

When celebrities speak openly about their diagnoses, they help break down stereotypes, reduce stigma, and remind people that ADHD doesn't have just one look.

ADHD isn't something that only affects children, and it certainly doesn't mean someone can't be creative, talented, successful, or accomplished.

For many adults, receiving a diagnosis later in life can help them better understand experiences they've had for years. It can provide answers, encourage self-acceptance, and open the door to finding support that actually works for them.

At The Skill Tree, we celebrate neurodivergent minds and the unique strengths, perspectives, and talents they bring to the world.

We love seeing public figures help normalize conversations about ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence. The more we talk about these experiences, the more understanding and accepting our communities can become.

A diagnosis doesn't change who you are. It can help you better understand who you've always been. 💚

Simon Pegg says he’s been diagnosed with ADHD, calling it a “relief that it’s not a fault.”

10/15/2026

Trains, Dinosaurs, Space, Video Games... Let's Talk About Autism and Special Interests!

Have you ever met someone who knows EVERYTHING there is to know about trains? Every model, every route, every little detail?

For some autistic individuals, trains are more than just something they enjoy. They're a special interest!

Special interests are deeply meaningful passions that many autistic and neurodivergent individuals experience. They can bring incredible joy, comfort, confidence, and a sense of connection.

And while trains are a commonly recognized example, special interests can be about absolutely ANYTHING! Animals, history, music, weather, technology, art, or a topic you might never have thought about!

Here's what we wish more people understood: Special interests aren't something that needs to be discouraged or outgrown.

They can be incredible strengths!

At The Skill Tree, we believe in celebrating the things that make each person unique. Special interests can create opportunities to build friendships, develop communication skills, explore careers, learn new things, and connect with others who share similar passions.

For parents, educators, and friends, one of the best things you can do is simply show interest. Ask questions. Listen. Let someone share their excitement with you, even if it's a topic you don't know much about.

You might be surprised by how much you learn!

We loved this article from Autism Speaks exploring why trains are such a popular interest among some autistic individuals and how those passions can create meaningful opportunities for connection.

Read it here: https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/what-it-about-autism-and-trains

Now we want to know: What's YOUR special interest? Tell us something you could happily talk about for hours!

10/13/2026

Halloween Is for EVERYONE! Let's Make It a Little More Neurodivergent-Friendly!

Halloween can be full of excitement, costumes, candy, and fun, but for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, it can also bring sensory overload, unexpected social interactions, and changes in routine that make the holiday challenging.

At The Skill Tree, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy Halloween in a way that feels comfortable, safe, and fun for THEM!

Tips for Neurodivergent Individuals and Families:

🎃 Choose comfort over costumes. Scratchy fabrics, masks, and face paint can be overwhelming. A favorite T-shirt or comfortable outfit is a perfectly good costume!

👻 Make a plan. Look at your trick-or-treating route ahead of time, discuss what to expect, and have an exit plan if things become overwhelming.

🍬 Bring sensory supports. Noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, or a familiar comfort item can make a big difference.

🦇 Take breaks! You don't have to visit every house or stay at every party. Even 15 minutes of Halloween fun is still Halloween fun!

🧡 Celebrate YOUR way. Staying home to hand out candy, watching a favorite spooky movie, or enjoying a quiet Halloween activity is just as valid as trick-or-treating.

And for Our Neurotypical Friends and Neighbors, Here's How You Can Help!

Don't demand a "trick or treat" or "thank you." Some individuals communicate differently, are nonspeaking, or may feel overwhelmed by social expectations. A smile and a piece of candy are enough!

Be mindful of sensory sensitivities. Loud noises, flashing lights, jump scares, and unexpected touching can be distressing.

Remember that disabilities aren't always visible. Older trick-or-treaters, individuals without costumes, or those who seem hesitant at your door deserve kindness, too.

Be patient. Someone may need extra time to choose candy, respond, or approach your door.

Include everyone. Invite your neurodivergent friends to participate, but respect their boundaries and don't pressure them to join activities that feel uncomfortable.

The best Halloween isn't the loudest, busiest, or most elaborate one. It's the one where everyone feels welcome!

A little understanding, flexibility, and kindness can make Halloween a wonderful experience for more people in our community.

From all of us at The Skill Tree, have a safe, inclusive, and Happy Halloween!

10/08/2026

Coming to Hampstead Fall Fest this Saturday? Come say hello!

Did you know that The Skill Tree is located right in the heart of all the Fall Fest fun? Since the festivities are happening practically outside our door, we're opening ours to the community!

If you've ever been curious about The Skill Tree, what we do, or who we serve, this is the perfect opportunity to stop in, meet our team, and see our space!

And of course, our very important four-legged office manager, Forza, would love to meet you, too!

Here's the best part: You don't have to be autistic, neurodivergent, or the parent of someone who is to come visit! We love our Hampstead community, and sometimes it's just nice to meet our neighbors, make new friends, and say hello.

So while you're enjoying the music, food, vendors, and all the Fall Fest excitement, pop in and see us!

🍂 Saturday, October 10 | 10 AM to 3 PM
📍 Downtown Hampstead, right by War Memorial Park

We can't wait to welcome you to The Skill Tree!

10/08/2026

We spend a lot of time on social media highlighting our younger members at The Skill Tree, but today we want to shine a spotlight on our adult members and the important life skills we're helping them build!

For many adults with autism, developing everyday skills like planning a simple meal, grocery shopping, following a recipe, or safely using a microwave can be an important step toward greater independence and confidence.

These are things many neurotypical people take for granted, but they are skills that often require intentional teaching, practice, patience, and support.

At The Skill Tree, we believe that life skills are just as important as any other kind of learning. We work with our adult members to develop practical skills they can use in their everyday lives, from making a grocery list and choosing ingredients to preparing meals and learning their way around the kitchen.

And it's about so much more than cooking! It's about building confidence, encouraging independence, making choices, and celebrating the pride that comes with being able to do something for yourself.

Every member has different goals, abilities, and support needs, and we're proud to help them grow at their own pace.

10/02/2026

Tomorrow, October 3rd, The Skill Tree hangout session will not begin until around 12:30. The morning group is going on a trip and will not be back in time for the normal hangout time at noon.

Send a message to learn more

10/02/2026

Happy Birthday Dr.Steve! Thank you for all you do four our community!!

10/01/2026

Fall fun can look a little different for everyone, and that’s okay!

For autistic and ADHD children and adults, some traditional fall activities can come with crowds, loud noises, unfamiliar textures, strong smells, or changes in routine. With a few adjustments, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season while respecting sensory needs and comfort levels.

Here are a few sensory-friendly fall ideas to try:
🍂 Take a quiet nature walk and collect colorful leaves
🎃 Decorate pumpkins with paint or stickers instead of carving
🍎 Visit an orchard or pumpkin patch during less crowded hours
🍁 Create a fall sensory bin using leaves, pinecones, acorns, or other comfortable textures
🥧 Bake a favorite fall treat together, with no pressure to taste unfamiliar foods
🎬 Have a cozy fall movie night at home
🧡 Make fall crafts using preferred materials and textures
🌽 Try a corn maze or fall festival with a planned exit strategy and sensory supports nearby
🎃 Practice wearing Halloween costumes at home before the big day
Most importantly, fun doesn’t have to look a certain way. It’s okay to skip an activity, wear headphones, bring a comfort item, take breaks, leave early, or create your own traditions.

At The Skill Tree, we’re all about finding ways to participate in the world that honor each person’s individual needs. Here’s to a fall filled with comfortable, safe, and genuinely FUN experiences!

09/29/2026

Taking care of your neurodivergent brain also means taking care of your body.

An interesting new study is bringing attention to another area of health for the neurodivergent community. Researchers found that autism and ADHD were more common among young people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than among their peers without type 2 diabetes.

This doesn’t mean that autism or ADHD causes diabetes, but it is another reminder that neurodivergent people can face additional health considerations that deserve attention and understanding.

For neurodivergent people, it can sometimes be easy to miss or push through what our bodies are telling us. Routines can be difficult. Sensory needs can affect food, exercise, sleep, and healthcare experiences. Executive functioning can make appointments, medications, meal planning, and other forms of self-care harder to manage.

That’s why we want to offer a simple reminder from The Skill Tree: listen to your body and take care of the whole you.

Go to your checkups. Talk to your doctor when something feels different. Find movement that feels good to you. Rest when you need rest. Eat in ways that support your body while respecting your sensory needs. Ask for accommodations when healthcare environments aren’t working for you.

Being neurodivergent means understanding that your needs may look different, and taking those needs seriously is an important part of caring for yourself.

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