Ukraine: Strength to Care at Time of Conflict

In Ukraine, the special needs population has greatly felt the effects of war. Olesia and her son, Fidor, have moved 14 times since Russian forces invaded Kiev, where they live. The bombs typically fall at night interrupting sleep regimens by requiring them to run to the bathroom, shut the door, and fill the bathtub with water. Fidor can be seen sitting on a stool, covering his ears and self-regulating by rocking back and forth as the explosions rain loudly in the background and shake the camera recording this scene.

It tracks that Olesia would capture these moments. Before the war, Olesia was a documentary maker. As a working mom, she juggled her job and navigating autism care for Fidor. He was in and out of schools and finally Olesia had to make the difficult decision to stop her career in film and open a school that could accommodate Fidor’s needs.

She found space above a theater studio and opened the school to a small number of autistic students who needed stability and expertise in their education. She created a comprehensive program that uses art, occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavioral methods to holistically teach in a safe environment. For a minute, it seemed that Olesia had built a sustainable and reliable school for her son and his peers for years to come.

The war changed this trajectory and required Olesia to make another decision – how would she stay in business while the bombs drop and everyone was being displaced? She decided to amplify her efforts and continue teaching while also using the theater space as an artistic outlet for creatives to process the war. Neuro-typical and people with autism participate in the production of pieces that tell the emotional stories of the past two years.

One of the greatest challenges has been the loss of relationships that have suffered under the strain of conflict. Support for her autism school and theater have surged and waned at times – but Olesia stands as a constant pillar of action to ensure that Fidor advances along with everyone in their circle of influence.

The Global Autism Coalition is proud to work alongside Olesia and the 9 ¾ School as it continues to provide education, acceptance, and stability.