The closing of schools and the abrupt shift to distance learning in the spring of 2020 created many challenges for families, particularly those whose children have special educational needs (SEN). This perspective piece in The Conversation highlights the ways in which pandemic-forced distance learning magnified weak spots in our social structures and systems. Learning from these experiences can guide out future efforts to improve supports for children with SEN and their families, by prioritizing peer-to-peer connections, social emotional supports for families and authentic collaboration between families and schools.