From the Editor’s Desk

When I launched Exceptional Needs Today magazine several years ago, I aimed to connect a community of advocates, families, educators, physicians, and therapists. Together, we can inspire change by sharing knowledge and experiences while providing much-needed support. And when it comes to education, long-term success lies in building awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

This special edition issue, titled Learning and Growing Together, features a collection of top-performing content reflecting a range of community voices. Inside is a fantastic collection of Exceptional Needs Today education-focused articles written by renowned authors such as Temple Grandin, Ph.D. & Debra Moore, Ph.D.; Toby Tomlinson Baker, Ph.D.; Kate C Wilde; Karen Kaplan; Guy Stephens; Rose Adams, OTD, OTR/L; Raun K. Kaufman; Dr. Chris Abildgaard, EdD, NCSP, LPC, NCC; and many more.

One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to schooling. Individuals interpret and interact with information differently. Not everyone will benefit equally from a single form of instruction. Unfortunately, some believe educational supports, modifications, and accommodations create unfair advantages. This is far from the truth. Instead, these provisions provide equal access to learning. Every child belongs.

This month’s cover features Kaelynn Partlow, a registered behavior technician diagnosed with autism at the age of 10. She believes receiving supports doesn’t eliminate demanding components of tasks; rather, they make them manageable. In her article, Receiving Accommodations to Manage Special Needs Is NOT the Easy Way-Out, Kaelynn compares access to therapies, sensory tools, medical care, and modifications to a hiker putting on boots, protective clothing, and carrying supplies. She says accommodations don’t make goals easier—they make them more attainable. I’ve known Kaelynn since she was a teen, so it’s thrilling to feature her now as a professional whose advocacy reaches millions worldwide. Some of you may recognize Kaelynn from when she was a featured participant on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum.

Other available topics include building a child’s self-esteem, how to talk to a child about bullying, managing meltdowns, distinguishing between Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives, promoting collaboration between home and school, what happens when student services end, taking control of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a student, what students with disabilities should do when starting college, why it’s important to connect with faculty as a student, and so much more.

We want to thank our contributors, advertisers, and subscribers who continue to support and play an integral part in our award-winning magazine.

Please encourage friends and family to subscribe to Exceptional Needs Today for guidance. Let’s continue to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in the exceptional needs community while making meaningful changes for tomorrow—TOGETHER!

Best,

Amy KD Tobik

Editor-in-Chief, Exceptional Needs Today Publisher, Lone Heron Publishing

By Kaelynn Partlow, RBT