In Mykolaiv, a center for children with autism has already helped 68 families, but dozens of children are still waiting for their turn

However, 40 children remain on the waiting list: Mykolaiv lacks places to provide assistance to children with autism

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01 Jul 2026

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On Tuesday, 30 June, in Mykolaiv an Open House Day was held at LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB — a development and intervention center for children with autism spectrum disorders, which has been operating in the city since 2025.

The project is implemented by the charitable foundation Future for Ukraine in partnership with the Mykolaiv City Council with grant support from Nova Ukraine. The center provides free assistance to children among internally displaced persons and families from frontline areas.

The event was attended by the Executive Director of Nova Ukraine Erin Makki, First Deputy Mayor Vitaliy Lukov, President of Future for Ukraine Olena Nikolaienko, Head of the fund’s children’s assistance program Olga Hluza, as well as families who already use the center’s services or are planning to join.

Since opening, LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB has already assisted 68 families. Currently 42 children are enrolled at the center, and another 8 are expected to be accepted soon.

The hub employs specialists in ABA therapy, sensory integration, speech therapy, psychological support, art therapy and therapeutic gardens. An individual development program is created for each child, which is reviewed and adjusted every six months.

Olga Hluza, Head of the Children’s Assistance Program at the charitable foundation Future for Ukraine, spoke about the center’s ongoing development Olga Hluza.

“We are constantly learning, changing equipment, finding out what is new in the world and trying to implement it here in the hub. New motivational stimuli allow us to achieve better and better results with the children who attend us.”

In addition to working with children, the center also supports their parents. Weekly themed online sessions are held for them, during which they can receive consultations and answers to pressing questions.

Despite the center’s successful work, the need for such services in Mykolaiv remains very high. Although the space is designed for a maximum of 50 pupils, about 40 children are currently on the waiting list for LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB, and overall roughly 70 children in the city need assistance.

First Deputy Mayor Vitaliy Lukov emphasized that the city authorities are interested in developing such spaces and expanding their capabilities.

“We strive for this service to be available to everyone who needs it. That is why we thank you for your support. We had this type of service in the city before, but it covered far from all needs. With the opening of LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB we are closing part of the gap. If we manage to expand it, then we will understand that we have fulfilled our mission in this direction. This service should not only exist, it must be accessible to everyone who needs it.”

The need for long-term support for such projects was also stated by the Executive Director of Nova Ukraine Erin Makki.

“We want no child to be left without help, so it is important that this model be sustainable. We have hopes for scaling. What we have here is, to some extent, a model that the city authorities together with partners can expand to other places so that every child and family has stability and good prospects for the future. A charitable organization can start a project, but the participation of authorities, people and communities is necessary to expand and scale it.”

During the Open House Day, young visitors could try the center’s new programs — art therapy and therapeutic gardens, receive gifts and spend time in a safe and friendly environment.

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