AI in Special Education: Bridging Gaps, Easing Workloads, and Inspiring Inclusion

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has opened new doors, enabling tools that are intuitive, adaptive, and personalized. Nowhere is this transformation more impactful than in special education, where students often require highly individualized content. From adaptive tutoring systems to curricular individualization, AI is meeting the needs of students with disabilities in ways that were previously unimaginable. As highlighted in a recent systematic review, AI applications in special education are not only enhancing skill development but also addressing cognitive and affective challenges, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder (Hopcan et al., 2023). This column explores how AI is revolutionizing special education classrooms by sharing the experiences of two remarkable teachers who have harnessed this technology to enhance their students’ progress. Through their examples, we see the value AI brings to learning—not as a replacement for human connection but as a bridge to deeper understanding and inclusion.