Inpatient Programs

We offer inpatient care for individuals from birth to age 21, including those requiring ventilator assistance or tracheostomy tubes, for the following:

• Brain disorders and injuries, including low responsiveness
• Spinal cord disorders and injuries
• Medically fragile
• Chronic pain
• Feeding disorders
• Severe and self-injurious behavioral disorders

Of the more than 400 children seen annually as inpatients, some travel from all over the world to receive the comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment for which the Institute is renowned. This interdisciplinary approach brings together professionals from a variety of specialties and fields to create treatment plans tailored to the needs of each patient.

The Inpatient Hospital is Comprised of Three Programs:

The Neurobehavioral Unit (NBU) is recognized as one of the leading programs in the nation for providing intensive behavioral treatment to children with severe behavior disorders and developmental disabilities who are self-injurious, aggressive, and display other severe behaviors.

The Pediatric Feeding Disorders Inpatient Program offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment of children with impairment of oral intake or appetite who require 24-hour nursing, medical supervision, or fluid intake. Medical assessments, nutritional monitoring, oral motor assessments, and intense behavioral interventions can be conducted.

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit operates one of the most successful neurorehabilitation programs in the world. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation therapies are available for children with brain injury, chronic pain disorders,  spinal cord injury and those recovering from orthopedic surgery . The unit is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Services include 24-hour medical, nursing, and respiratory care, as well as intensive therapy services to meet the patient's needs and medical condition. Our team is able to care for patients with tracheostomies, feeding tubes, ventilators, central lines, or other medically complex issues.

Patients may stay several days or weeks in Kennedy Krieger inpatient units, depending on their needs. Throughout the admission, parents and caregivers receive training to carry out appropriate treatment in their homes, thus ensuring the most successful outcomes. Following discharge, patients may be enrolled in one or more of Kennedy Krieger’s outpatient programs or day hospital program, which maintain and build on the treatment provided in the inpatient units. Kennedy Krieger’s Rehabilitation Continuum of Care ensures that patients are seen in the appropriate setting of care throughout all phases of treatment.

International Patients:

Traveling thousands of miles to give your child access to the best medical care is a challenge. To make your journey easier, Kennedy Krieger Institute helps coordinate the many services necessary to receive medical care for your child, including assistance with interpreters, financial arrangements, accommodations, travel, and Visa issues.

For access to these services, please call our International Care Management Office at (888) 554-2080.