Kazakhstan observes the 2nd of April as the World Autism Awareness Day

To raise awareness about autism the Asyl Miras Autism Centers, which operate in 12 cities of the country with the support of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation will open its doors to all visitors throughout April.

Marat Aimagambetov, Director of Bulat Utemuratov Foundation says: “In the last years we have been noticing an increased number of requests from parents in search of autism-related consultations. Parents grow more informed and that is a good thing, since the earlier autism is detected the higher chances the child has to adapt to the society”.

According to the information provided by the Foundation, 3400 children were diagnosed and had been trained at Asyl Miras Autism Centers in 2023. More than 16000 families who have children with ASD have benefited from the services offered by the centers.  The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation opened three new autism centers last year – in Karaganda, Astana, and Semey. All the services provided at these centers are free.

The WHO reports that approximately one in every 100 children has signs of autism nowadays. It is important to note that autism is not an illness, but a condition, which can be corrected with the help of developing and educating programmes, which allow for significant improvement of social skills in children with ASD.

Here are the early signs of ASD:

– Avoids or does not keep eye contact, does not reciprocate a smile, and does not respond when spoken to;

– Uses few or no gestures, does not use the pointing gesture;

– Does not speak or make sound;

– Does not notice other children and does not participate in games

– Lines up toys or other objects;

– Does demonstrate such behaviors as aggression, and self-aggression; does not wish to do what is asked of him;

– Hypersensitivity to sounds.

If you detected the first signs of ASD in your child, then for primary diagnosis you can also take an online M-chat test, available by the link. The test results are preliminary and must be confirmed by qualified professionals.