The war has forced many families to leave their homes and find refuge in safer places. Moving can be stressful for any child, but especially for those with autism spectrum disorder.

The Charity Fund "Direct Inclusion" offers some practical tips to help these children adjust to their new surroundings:

• Bring your child's favorite item for each room, if possible. For example, a familiar blanket for the bedroom, a favorite bowl for the kitchen, or a beloved book for the living room.
• To make the changes more enjoyable, come up with games or rituals for each zone. For instance, before lunch, ask a fun riddle and give a small prize at the end, or place a picture or sticker of their favorite character near the bed.

Create designated zones in the new space: one for sleeping, one for eating, one for playing, etc. Label each area with stickers that show or describe its purpose, and try to use each space only for its intended function. Make sure your child's personal belongings are in those areas.

Talk through your actions with your child. For example, say, "We're going to the kitchen to eat lunch," or "This is the bathroom where we brush our teeth and wash our face."

The Charity Fund "Direct Inclusion" has also shared tips on returning to Ukrainian schools after studying abroad. The material is available via the link.