As of February 24th, it has already been four full years since the darkness of the full scale russian invasion has tried to put out our light. The four years of pain and loss, but also of incredible strength. As the founder of the International NGO “Child with Future,” I write these words with a heart full of pride for all of you, and above all for the families of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
You, the parents who hide your special children in bomb shelters, who continue therapy during air raid sirens, who look for calm in chaos. You are the real heroes. Your children, with their unique way of seeing the world, teach all of us that life goes on despite explosions and cancelled classes, despite cold and darkness, despite the fear the enemy wants to force on us, we will prevail. Many Ukrainian families with special children were forced by the war to stay in other countries, and many are still there. But they do not give up. Many of them open services for autistic people abroad, organize support courses, and unite with each other. These times make all of us stronger, wherever we are.
And when our children laugh, begin to speak, or play games with new friends, we smile back at them every time, no matter how hard it is for us. Because this is our responsibility and our daily victory.
You are not alone. We also continue our work. We inform and support people with autism of different ages. We continue to develop children in our kindergarten. We help families with autism in different parts of Ukraine. We cannot do everything. But like you, and as the mother of a boy with autism, I know that a child’s growth cannot wait for peace. It simply cannot wait. Your stories inspire us. Your strength during the war is the firm foundation on which our children will build their lives and a happy future for their own kids.
Dear colleagues of “Autism Europe”, partners, and friends of Ukraine! Your support and solidarity are a ray of hope and a sign of spring that always defeats the harsh winter. You send resources and support our initiatives, reminding the world about our children and about Ukraine. We sincerely thank you for this, because behind every news headline there are real families, dreams, and tears. And when I see tears of joy in the eyes of little Ukrainians thanks to your support and help, it seems to me that this is also inclusion. A true kindness and empathy, one that we have not seen from russians in over a decade…
Today, on this terrible date, we remember all those we have lost, and we support our defenders and our homeland with all our strength. And we promise that we will not surrender. Ukraine will win, because we are proud and free people, one family. And may every child feel the warmth of the peace that we are fighting for and that we will win together.
