Creative development for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is no less important than basic corrective sessions with specialists. Through creativity, children on the spectrum express their emotions, releasing emotional tension, and learn to find creative solutions.
The LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB center for development and correction for children with autism spectrum disorder in Mykolaiv has launched a special art therapy space. A therapeutic garden has also been arranged alongside the space to help children explore and understand the world around them. These new developmental opportunities for children on the spectrum were provided to the center by its long-standing patron Vadym Stolar. Thanks to his generosity, the children now have a vibrant space more engaging and exciting — and their smiles say more than words.
LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB has been providing free corrective sessions for children on the spectrum from frontline Mykolaiv and the region since October 2025. The center opened in Mykolaiv in partnership with the Future for Ukraine foundation and the Mykolaiv City Council, with grant support from Nova Ukraine, Ecolab, Pfizer, and with long-standing support of the patron Vadym Stolar. 40 children are currently attending the hub. This is the second center established by the Future for Ukraine charitable foundation since the beginning of the russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine — the first location operates in Lviv for internally displaced families raising children on the spectrum.
The new space has expanded the center's offering beyond its main program, corrective sessions in speech therapy, sensory integration, and ABA therapy, adding new developmental opportunities.
"Art therapy is very beneficial for children's psychological well-being: it provides emotional release, relaxation, and helps uncover talents. Interaction with plants reduces stressfulness and helps children to better understand natural life processes," notes Olha Hliuza, Head of projects and programs, Children's Aid direction at FFU.
The opening was attended by Vitalii Lukov, First Deputy Mayor of Mykolaiv, along with foundation representatives and families whose children attend LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB.
Following the official opening and a sweet treat, the children planted the first flowers in the therapeutic garden themselves — flowers they will continue to tend together with the center's teachers.
We thank Vadym Stolar for his support and for the new development opportunities for children with ASD.
