Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – Amidst the widespread destruction in Khan Younis, 16-year-old Ahmed Hatem al-Mahabeel, who lives with autism, finds solace in repetitive self-calming gestures, a stark reminder of the trauma inflicted by Israel's ongoing war.

Ahmed's world, once marked by academic progress and extracurricular activities, has been shattered by the conflict that began in October 2023. The war has not only resulted in over 73,380 Palestinian casualties and extensive destruction but has also dismantled the crucial support systems and safe environments essential for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Before the war, Ahmed was thriving, attending school with specialist support, training at a football academy, and excelling in his studies. His mother, Umm Ahmed, described how the conflict "destroyed everything we built," leaving Ahmed susceptible to severe panic attacks triggered by explosions, leading to self-harm in moments of extreme terror.

The physical toll has also been severe. Malnutrition and protein deficiency exacerbated by food shortages led to a ruptured appendix, requiring two surgical operations. "With food shortages, complications led to a wound infection, forcing doctors to perform a second surgical operation," Umm Ahmed recalled.

Psychological specialists emphasize that children with autism rely heavily on routine and a calm environment for their sense of security. The constant shelling and sensory overload in Gaza have triggered significant behavioral relapses, including severe sleep deprivation, wandering, panic attacks, and self-harm among these vulnerable children.

"A child with autism relies entirely on routine and calm to feel safe," explained psychological specialist Diaa Abu Aoun, highlighting the profound impact of the war's disruption on their well-being. The lack of safety has confined many, like Ahmed, indoors, stripping them of their established support networks and therapeutic interventions.

Families are now grappling with the immense challenges of providing care in a devastated landscape, with limited access to specialized support. The hope for many, like Umm Ahmed, is for their children to receive specialized treatment and rehabilitation abroad, to help them recover from the devastating effects of the war.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza presents a critical humanitarian crisis, with the psychological and physical well-being of its most vulnerable populations, including children with autism, severely compromised by the relentless violence and destruction.