How Israel’s war on Lebanon has cost young people with autism and ADHD

Experts warn that war takes a heavy toll on neurodivergent people, who often rely on routine. Save Share Beirut, Lebanon– After her husband died from COVID-19 in 2020, Lena Kouyoumjian moved back to her parents’ house in Mazraat Yachouh, a village 20 minutes’ drive from Beirut. For Lena, energetic and outgoing, the move was difficult, but she accepted that she needed help to care for her 20-year-old daughter, Vana, who is autistic and non-verbal. Lena first noticed her daughter’s symptoms when she was two years old. Vana is still unable to communicate verbally how she feels, but her mother does her best to understand her. Like many autistic individuals – and neurodivergent people in general – Vana needs a supportive and stable environment, alongside a structured routine, to feel well. Lebanon has been engulfed in war since October 2023, with bombings across the country and an economic crisis continuing to impact all Lebanese, particularly neurodivergent people. When Israel escalated its attacks on southern Lebanon in March, as a trainer for children with disabilities, Lena understood that this could impact her autistic daughter. “Any sudden change in routine, loud noises, fear, or uncertainty can increase their anxiety and make them feel unsafe,” Lena told Al Jazeera. “I can see this in my daughter. Since the situation became more difficult, she has become more anxious and sensitive to the changes happening around her.” The symptoms of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) vary depending on the person and condition, but they frequently includesensory issues and emotional dysregulation.ADHD and autism often occur together, combining to make AuDHD, where traits from both conditions can be seen. People with these neurodevelopmental conditions are often stigmatised by societies that do not fully understand them, including in Lebanon. While the pressures caused by Israel’s war on Lebanon and mass displacement have led topsychological issuesfor many, neurodivergent people are more vulnerable due to their need for consistent support and routine. “Being a parent of an autistic child isn’t something every parent can handle. A challenge I often face is deciding the amount of time and energy I should allocate to my child,” said Lena. Lebanon’s Autism Awareness Association (AAA) has provided support for both mother and child....