In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the lives of millions were thrown into chaos. Among those most vulnerable to the disruption created by war are children with special needs. Their routines and support systems were shattered overnight.

Galina Itskovich, a clinical social worker and therapist in New York who was born and raised in Ukraine, has emerged as a beacon of hope for such children and their families. With a combination of empathy, innovation, and determination, Itskovich and her colleagues have been addressing the heightened challenges faced by neurodivergent children in a time of war.

Prior to the conflict, many such children had access to functioning support groups responding to their unique needs. However, the war's onset left many families to fend for themselves. The story of Marina, a 15-year-old with autism living in eastern Ukraine, exemplifies the difficulties faced by many.

Marina’s mother wanted to flee to a safer area. However, as she told Itskovich, “We have nowhere to go, and even if we had somewhere to go, we couldn’t........

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