Boxing Day, traditionally a day of giving and receiving, has also become a day for reflection, relaxation, and storytelling with loved ones. Today, we wanted to share some success stories and challenges that we’ve encountered throughout this past year in the realm of special and gifted education. For parents and caregivers of children navigating this path, our hope is you find this not only informative but also inspiring.

From understanding twice-exceptionality to discussing art therapy’s benefits for special needs expression, we’ve covered a wide range of topics. The wealth of information available out there can certainly be overwhelming, and it’s essential to note that each child’s journey is unique.

This year, we’ve seen a surge in discussions surrounding differentiated instruction in the classroom and steps towards creating more inclusive school environments. These efforts reflect society’s growing understanding of the diverse needs of learners and highlight the importance of tailoring education to suit every student.

Not only did children face unique challenges in the classroom, but many parents also had to make difficult decisions outside of school. For instance, parents of gifted children grappled with enabling autonomy while ensuring their children felt supported and nurtured.

Parents of children with special needs faced their own array of challenges, among those organizing and creating a support group. This alone represents the immense sense of community parents in this sphere have cultivated.

This year was especially challenging due to continued uncertainty around COVID-19 and its impact on education. Students and parents alike had to navigate the transition between different educational settings, often with little guidance or resources.

However, the year also came with numerous successes and milestones achieved by children across the globe. In the realm of gifted education, we heard inspiring stories related to achievements spanning from STEM fields to leadership and innovation.

For students with special needs, triumphs took form in various ways — be it a positive shift in their behavioral triggers or reaching a speech therapy milestone with the help of speech therapy games and activities at home.

To end on a celebratory note, several families shared their creative ways of making holidays fun for all abilities, a pertinent reminder that the notion of inclusivity extends beyond education into almost all aspects of life.

As we continue to share, learn, and support each other on this journey, it’s important to remember that every child’s path is unique. Their strengths, challenges, and potential cannot be measured by the same yardstick. Here’s to a new year filled with further exploration, understanding, and celebrating the diverse minds shaping our future!