Every child has their own path to harmony and confidence. This path was not easy for seven-year-old Daniil from Bucha, a boy with Level 1 autism spectrum disorder without loss of intellectual abilities. Despite his young age, he has gone through challenges that often frighten even adults, such as frequent moves, changes of countries, doctors, kindergartens, schools, difficult family circumstances, and the experience of war.
Daniil's parents are divorced. His mother, Yuliia, is always there for him, supporting him every day. She is sensitive to her son's emotional state and does everything she can to ensure that he grows up in peace and comfort. It was thanks to her search for resources and opportunities for her son that the family learned about the “Girls. Children” club.
Yuliia says, “Daniil has always had a quiet but stubborn strength — a desire to understand the world and find his place in it. Before we came to the “Girls. Children” club, he often felt tired and anxious, withdrew into himself, and had a hard time coping with changes and new situations. The war was a huge shock for him. It would have been a terrible ordeal for an adult, let alone a child's heart.”
Specialists of the club created a space of acceptance and respect for each child, where Daniil could finally feel safe. He gradually began to participate in activities, react more calmly to changes, take an interest in new things, and build relationships with his peers.
The psychologist helped Daniil discover new ways of interacting with the world, taught him to better understand himself and his emotions, and to experience difficult moments without fear, gently, without pressure, through play, developing attention, and working with emotions. Therapy became a safe space where the boy learned to trust the world and those around him, to be more persistent, to talk about his condition, and to feel that he was not alone.
The psychologist notes, “During his time at the club, Daniil has become more balanced, open, and confident. His reactions to new situations have become milder, and his emotional state more stable."
His mother notes that during this time, her son has begun to smile more, show interest in activities, and want to be around other children. Daniil has learned to calm down, feel his emotions, and be more courageous in taking on new tasks. He has begun to rejoice in small successes, such as roller skating, cooking, and even just a good day.
Yuliia says warmly, “Those around him notice how he has opened up and changed. And I really believe in him. Daniil has made new friends, and he has become bolder, more confident, and calmer.”
The club also works with adults, because the inner balance of parents directly affects a child's sense of security. Daniil's mother received useful advice on how to respond to her son's emotions and support him in difficult situations. Thanks to this, she feels more confident and knows how to create an atmosphere of support and acceptance for Daniil.
“Our story is not about sudden healing. It is about a journey. About patience and support. About how important it is not just to listen, but to hear. About a child who has gone through many trials and continues to grow, learn, and dream. And I know for sure that he has many incredible achievements ahead of him. We sincerely thank the “Girls. Children” club,” Yuliia shares.
Daniil's story is a reminder that development and healing often begin with small steps, such as acceptance, a safe space, and attentive support. It demonstrates how a child can gradually regain peace, self-confidence, and joy through care and systematic support. The main characters are persistent and courageous parents who always strive for the best for their children and firmly believe in their success.
The project “Providing Multi-Sectoral Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations in Ukraine (Ukraine Response Consortium)” is funded by the American people through the U.S. Government, Ukraine Response Consortium, Acted Ukraine, and World Vision Ukraine in cooperation with the NGO Girls. The contents are the responsibility of the NGO Girls and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government.
Photo from the family's personal archive.
