Response to Challenges Regarding the Provision of Early Intervention Services During the Conflict in Ukraine

The article discusses the early childhood intervention service in Ukraine, which operates in long-term cycles. Early intervention is a service for families with children aged 0 to 4 years who have developmental disorders or are at risk of developing them. The service is family-based, routine-based and transdisciplinary. The article highlights the impact of conflict on children, noting that ongoing negative experiences, or “toxic stress,” can severely affect their development. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children cope, but they also face significant stress, complicating their ability to provide care. Despite the conflict, early intervention services continue for families with children at risk of developmental disorders, including those displaced abroad. Online meetings have become essential, ensuring service quality across formats. Comparing goal achievement in 60 families receiving services offline and online showed no significant difference in outcomes. Families emphasise the importance of continuing early intervention services during the war, noting that regular digital meetings provide vital support and help stabilise the mental state of both parents and children. Key strengths of the service during wartime include family-centredness, regular weekly meetings, service continuity in various formats and assistance in organising daily life, helping families adapt to changes and supporting child development.