Description
ABSTRACT
Background: The impact of the armed aggression in Ukraine on children is profound and far-reaching, with clear negative consequences, including acute stress reactions, increased risk of psychological disorders, problems due to forced separation from parents, and consequent fear for personal/ family safety.
Purpose: Investigating the unique experiences of trauma related to the displacement of children with special educational needs.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted based on the “Dachnyi” sanatorium (Volyn Regional Territorial Medical Association for the Protection of Motherhood and Childhood) in Volyn Region, Ukraine. The sample consisted of 20 internally displaced children with special educational needs.
Findings: We used the following methods: projective diagnostic method “Childhood”, “My Family” and “House Tree Pearson”.
Practical implications: The social and educational rehabilitation of internally displaced children is vital to their personal development. Therefore, it is important to highlight that a creative and systematic approach to assistance (including art therapy) can significantly enhance the psychological well-being of these children.
Conclusions: We link further research to identifying technology for psychological and pedagogical support aimed at the socialization of internally displaced children with special educational needs.
Keywords: internally displaced children, traumatic stress, war-related trauma, continuous traumatic stress, children with special educational needs, art therapy
