On April 2, the world marks World Autism Awareness Day. The tradition was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to draw attention to the needs of people living with autism spectrum disorders. The color of support is blue, symbolizing calmness and solidarity.
People on the spectrum often face misunderstanding, public spaces are not always adapted to their needs, and in general, awareness of these needs remains limited.
That is why Future for Ukraine combines corrective support for children with ASD with awareness-raising local campaigns — through partnerships with businesses, public campaigns, and social media communication.
With the support of patron Vadym Stolar, LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB has been providing psychosocial support and specialized services in Lviv for three years to internally displaced children with autism spectrum disorders. In 2025, the project expanded: a new hub opened in the frontline city of Mykolaiv in partnership with Mykolaiv Сity Сouncil, grant funding and patronage.
About ASD and its manifestations
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a wide range of conditions, known as neurodevelopmental disorders, that affect how a person perceives the world, processes information, and interacts with others.
People on the spectrum may respond differently to sounds, light, touch, or social situations. Loud noises, bright lights, or contact with strangers can cause fear, confusion, and sensory overload. That is why many avoid shops, cinemas, and other crowded places. Autism is not a disease and cannot be cured — it is part of human diversity. Therefore, the approach today is not to change the person, but to adapt to the environment so they can learn, work, and live comfortably. You can learn more about autism, its characteristics, and common myths on the website we created for awareness-raising purposes.
This year, companies such as Comfy, Epicentr, H&M, and others in Ukraine are joining World Autism Awareness Day, partnering with the Future for Ukraine Foundation.
H&M
On April 2, all H&M stores in Ukraine incorporate silent hours throughout the day to provide a more comfortable shopping experience for people on the spectrum. The company has also placed informational materials in all stores and regularly conducts autism awareness training for new employees.
COMFY
Information about autism is displayed on large screens in COMFY offline stores. Silent hours will be observed in all stores until 12:00.
Have A Rest
Throughout April, customers can purchase a signature blue suitcase from the Ukrainian brand Have A Rest online and support children with ASD who are internally displaced or from frontline areas.
The company donates 10% of the online sales of these suitcases to support LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB.
Epicentr
On April 2, employees of the Epicentr retail chain wear blue as a symbol of support for people on the spectrum. The company also contributes to raising awareness about autism.
TyKyiv
The lifestyle media outlet TyKyiv conducted a quick street survey among Kyiv residents to assess their awareness of autism.
Brooks Cafe (Dnipro)
The American-style urban café Brooks Cafe in Dnipro offers customers the opportunity to donate to support children on the spectrum. A portion of the proceeds from the Kidsy Brooksy Box will be donated to the LEVCHYK center by Future for Ukraine.
Cheesecake Family (Kyiv)
The Cheesecake Family café-patisserie offers a signature charity cheesecake, with proceeds going to the LEVCHYK project. The team also raises awareness about autism through its social media and media platforms.
A barrier-free world begins with the willingness to understand and accept neurodiversity.
LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB is a project of the Future for Ukraine foundation. It is a development and correction center for internally displaced children and children from frontline areas with autism spectrum disorders. It is a safe space where children receive free corrective therapy (ABA therapy, sensory integration, sessions with a psychologist, speech therapy, art therapy, and music therapy) and adapt to new life circumstances.
LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB has been operating in Lviv for three years, demonstrating its effectiveness and scaling its model. In 2025, it also opened in Mykolaiv in partnership with Mykolaiv City Council, with grant and philanthropic support. Today, two hubs operate in Lviv and Mykolaiv. The model of support has proven effective in practice, and LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB has received official status as a social service provider.
You can support the LEVCHYK development and correction center on the project’s website.
