Impact of Ongoing Conflict on Young People with Autism and ADHD in Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon – Following the death of her husband from COVID-19 in 2020, Lena Kouyoumjian relocated to her parents' home in Mazraat Yachouh, a village about 20 minutes from Beirut. This move, although difficult for her outgoing personality, was necessary for her to care for her daughter, Vana, who is 20 years old and non-verbal due to autism.

Lena became aware of Vana’s autism when she was just two years old. While Vana cannot verbally express her feelings, her mother strives to understand her needs and emotions.

Supports Needed for Neurodivergent Individuals

Like many individuals on the autism spectrum, Vana thrives in a stable environment with structured routines. However, since conflict escalated in October 2023, the ongoing war in Lebanon has disrupted this necessary stability. The bombardments and the severe economic crisis have taken a toll on the entire country, especially impacting those with neurodivergent conditions.

Lena, a trainer for children with disabilities, is acutely aware of how war can heighten anxiety in autistic individuals. “Any sudden change in routine, loud noises, or an atmosphere of fear can really increase their anxiety and sense of insecurity,” Lena remarked. Her daughter has shown signs of increased anxiety and heightened sensitivity to the volatile environment around them.

The symptoms associated with autism and ADHD, including emotional dysregulation and sensory issues, can exacerbate feelings of distress in much chaos. Neurological conditions can sometimes co-occur, resulting in a diagnosis termed AuDHD, where traits from both autism and ADHD manifest.

The Need for Continued Support Amidst War

In Lebanon, the stigma surrounding neurodivergent individuals compounds the strain on families. Parents of autistic children often find the challenges overwhelming, as Lena expressed: “Being a parent to an autistic child isn’t something every parent can manage, and I frequently struggle with how much time and energy I should devote to my daughter.”

The Autism Awareness Association (AAA) in Lebanon has been pivotal in offering crucial support to families like Lena's. Vana has been part of an alternative school for autistic youth through AAA for the past six years. However, amidst the rising costs of living caused by the war, frequent attendance has become increasingly difficult. “Transportation to her center is a challenge, and at times it feels impossible for her to go,” Lena explained.

A Broken System for Mental Health Support

Cofounded in 2015 by parents, including Ghada Hayek Makhoul, AAA works tirelessly to improve autism awareness and understanding in Lebanon. Ghada shared, “Many people are not educated about autism. They often aren’t aware of its spectrum and how greatly it can differ from person to person.”

Ghada’s own son Anthony, who is 27 and non-verbal, has also faced challenges due to the war. The tumultuous sounds of bombs and military aircraft have made it increasingly difficult for him. “He can't handle the news anymore; it’s just too triggering for him,” she stated.

The ongoing conflict has deepened the economic crisis in Lebanon, leading to a scarcity of resources for organizations like AAA. The cost of services has risen, making it unaffordable for a majority of families. “With 80 percent of the population living below the poverty line, many can no longer afford essential support,” Ghada reiterated.

Both direct support and mental healthcare have become unattainable luxuries. Although some NGOs offer free therapy, private sessions can exceed $100 for only 50 minutes of care. According to public health researcher Nour Toukan, many families find that mental health care costs are borne entirely out of pocket.

Educational Disruption and Mental Health Decline

The effects of war have left many students like 23-year-old Adham Faraj, who was diagnosed with ADHD, feeling isolated. His classes shifted online due to the conflict, fostering an environment where motivation plummeted. “It’s less engaging to attend classes from bed,” Adham stated, depicting the challenge faced by many neurodivergent individuals.

Rim Ajjour, a psychologist working with young autistic people, has observed alarming developmental regressions among her clients due to interruptions in services. “The skills learned previously are being lost without consistent therapy,” she noted.

Despite rising operational costs, many clinics like Rim's strive to keep therapy accessible by not increasing fees, though they face growing financial pressures themselves. The continued conflict and bombings in southern Lebanon exacerbate concerns, leaving many therapists wondering how they will adapt if conditions worsen once again.