The Struggles of Caregiving Amid Conflict: A Mother’s Fight for Her Autistic Son in Gaza

A Perilous Situation for Families with Special Needs

As the conflict in Gaza escalates, the plight of families, particularly those with children who have special needs, has become increasingly dire. Abeer Hassan, a mother from Deir el-Balah, faces unimaginable challenges while caring for her autistic son, Abdallah, amid relentless Israeli bombardments and forced displacements. The ongoing violence has not only disrupted their lives but has also exacerbated Abdallah’s condition, making daily life a struggle for both mother and son.

The Impact of War on Vulnerable Populations

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly since the onset of the conflict in October 2023. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the violence has resulted in over 66,000 deaths and more than 168,000 injuries. Amid this chaos, families like Hassan’s are caught in a web of fear and uncertainty. The Israeli military has issued multiple evacuation orders, compelling residents to flee to designated “safe zones,” which ironically have also been targeted in airstrikes.

Hassan recounted her harrowing experience: “As the people started fleeing the area, we were also urged to leave.” The constant explosions terrify Abdallah, who struggles to comprehend the chaos around him. “He would come back to the tent very tense and nervous, using sign language to express his distress,” she explained.

The Challenges of Displacement

Initially, Hassan and her family sought refuge in a camp called Ameera, only to find it overcrowded and lacking space for their tent. They were then directed to a location near Salah al-Din Street, despite the inherent dangers. “My daughters and I were crying, and Abdallah was getting tense, making strange sounds,” she recalled. The oppressive heat and uncertainty of their situation compounded their distress, leaving them feeling lost and vulnerable.

The psychological toll of displacement is particularly acute for children with autism. The constant changes in environment and the overwhelming sounds of war can lead to heightened anxiety and behavioral issues. Abdallah has developed a habit of pulling his hair, a coping mechanism that Hassan has tried to mitigate by keeping his hair short.

Coping Mechanisms in Crisis

In an effort to manage Abdallah’s anxiety, Hassan has resorted to giving him prescribed sleeping pills. “There is nothing else I can do to help him,” she lamented. The loss of her mobile phone, which had been a crucial tool for calming Abdallah through games and videos, has further complicated their situation. “I discovered that my mobile phone was broken two days before we were displaced,” she said, highlighting the fragility of their coping mechanisms.

The psychological strain on caregivers like Hassan is immense. “We were all under immense pressure … young and old,” she stated. In moments of despair, she has even wished for death, fearing for her son’s future if she were to be lost. “I asked God to take our lives together so Abdallah wouldn’t be alone,” she confessed, illustrating the depth of her anguish.

Historical Context: The Longstanding Conflict

The current crisis in Gaza is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The region has been marked by cycles of violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. The ongoing blockade of Gaza, which began in 2007, has severely restricted access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and psychological support for children with special needs.

Historically, children with disabilities in conflict zones face heightened risks, including neglect, violence, and lack of access to necessary resources. The United Nations has repeatedly called for the protection of vulnerable populations during armed conflicts, yet the reality on the ground often tells a different story.

The Broader Implications of the Conflict

The plight of families like Hassan’s underscores the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. The psychological and emotional toll on children, particularly those with special needs, is profound and long-lasting. Experts warn that the trauma experienced during such crises can have generational effects, impacting not only the immediate victims but also future generations.

As the international community grapples with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the stories of individuals like Abeer Hassan serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of war. The need for humanitarian assistance, psychological support, and advocacy for the rights of children with disabilities has never been more urgent.

Conclusion: A Call for Compassion and Action

The situation in Gaza remains fluid and fraught with danger, particularly for families with special needs. Abeer Hassan’s story is a testament to the resilience of caregivers and the profound challenges they face in times of crisis. As the world watches, it is imperative that we advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations and work towards a peaceful resolution that prioritizes human dignity and rights. The suffering of children like Abdallah should not be forgotten; their voices must be heard in the ongoing discourse surrounding the conflict.