Over the past few months, the U.S. school system has gone through a dramatic shift. But the upheaval is far from over. The balance between onsite and online learning will continue to fluctuate over the next couple of years, with the quality of special needs education in particular set to be disproportionately affected.

Failure to adapt in a way that puts student learning needs first could cause irreparable setbacks for children who already face their fair share of challenges. By evaluating how key areas of special needs education have adapted in recent months and why certain approaches could fall short in the long term, we can help schools and clinicians prepare for the coming school year and beyond.