Gaza’s children with Down syndrome rebuild after conflict

In Gaza, children with Down syndrome and their families are working to recover skills lost due to the ongoing conflict.

Before October 2023, many children received specialized care through the Right to Live Society (RLS), which offered education, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Israeli attacks destroyed RLS facilities and killed or displaced many children, causing significant setbacks in their development, some lost even basic skills like toilet training.

Families describe how constant fear and displacement led to increased trauma and regression for their children. One father recounted watching his daughter lose years of progress, while another described his daughter’s terror during bombardments. The RLS has resumed limited services, now operating out of makeshift tents and relying on donated materials, and currently supports over 1,000 children with Down syndrome and autism.

Despite shortages of resources and continued Israeli attacks, the children are making progress in regaining lost skills, with some beginning to relearn communication, hygiene, and academics. The RLS now sees four to five new cases of Down syndrome each week, a rise attributed to pollution from explosives and psychological stress. Parents express hope that their children can continue learning and rebuild their lives, with one father dreaming his daughter will become a teacher for other children with Down syndrome.