Helping Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Times of War
Date: October 1, 2024
Presented by: Lina Binda
Didactics prepared by: Robert Nickel – ECHO Project Facilitator in Ukraine, behavioral pediatrician and professor of pediatrics at the Development Institute of Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA.
For the first time, within the framework of the ECHO project, Ukrainian and American specialists gathered to discuss approaches to providing assistance to adolescents with mental disorders caused by prolonged stress and the impact of war.
The presented case of a little boy from Kharkiv who survived shelling resonated deeply with the participants of the event. Psychologist Lina Binda described the psychological difficulties the child faced and methods that help him overcome the emotional consequences of the trauma. This case was a vivid example of the importance of providing professional support to children in crisis situations and how this can affect their ability to adapt to life after experiencing the horrors of war.
The event also highlighted the critical need to identify changes in children’s behavior in a timely manner that could signal serious mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These disorders, if left untreated, can lead to a deterioration in health, especially in children with pre-existing neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism. Thus, the session not only outlined the importance of psychological support, but also demonstrated its practical aspects, which are extremely valuable for local professionals.