The largest Autism Center in the country starts its work in Astana

The first Asyl Miras Center in Astana was opened by the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation in 2015. During this period, more than 2,000 children with autism spectrum disorders have got free correctional assistance here. Behind the dry figures of statistics are stories of support, hope and new opportunities. “My child first came to Asyl Miras at the age of 3 for the Jasper speech development program. All 3 months became a period of intensive study for both of us – the son worked out new skills, and I learned to understand him. I was present at every lesson; seminars were held additionally for us, parents, and then we went home and repeated what we had learned. The son did not show aggression, but was withdrawn and did not know how to express his desires. Our teacher showed how to use the cards and give hints, and he began to communicate with all his relatives with pleasure. The life of the whole family has become much easier. Now my Ramil is 7 years old, he is a pupil of the first grade of a comprehensive school. We continue to work hard, but the progress already achieved gives confidence in success,” Natalya Shakhimova said.

Awareness about autism and diagnostic tools are improving every year, which is reflected in the official statistics on the prevalence of ASD in the world and in Kazakhstan. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 of 54 children has signs of ASD. In Kazakhstan, in 2022, according to the National Scientific and Practical Center for Correctional Pedagogy, autism was confirmed in 12,000 children. At the same time, early diagnostics and correction significantly increase the chances of children for successful socialization. In Astana, according to the education department, 2,500 children have been diagnosed with ASD. More than 300 children are on the waiting list for the services of the Asyl Miras Center, the waiting period is about a year. Responding to a public request and with the support of the Akimat of Astana, the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation decided to open the second Autism Center in the capital.

“Asyl Miras Centers are strongly associated with the quality of services provided and respect for children with ASD and their parents. Opening of the second Center will allow even more children to get access to advanced diagnostic and correction methods. Last year, I took part in the opening of Asyl Miras in Karaganda and I know how parents in all regions are waiting for the opening of such centers. I would like to express my gratitude to the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation for the systematic support of children with special educational needs in our city and country,” Akim Zhenis Kassymbek said.

The new Center will cover about 900 children a year. Classes will be held according to the standards of the “Autism. One World for All” Program on 6 intervention programs. 10 classrooms are already fully equipped with furniture, inventory and teaching aids. Taking into account the experience of other Centers, the number of rooms for the most popular programs has been increased – 3 rooms for each of the Early Support and Development of Teaching Skills Programs have been prepared for classes with children. Marat Aitmagambetov, the Director of the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation, said about the readiness of the Center: “We have already begun recruiting teachers for the Center. In total, the Center will employ 36 specialists, each of whom has a specialized education and work experience. Nevertheless, each teacher will undergo specialized three-week training according to our program developed on the basis of the best world practices, and after that, they will undergo regular supervision throughout the year. This is done to preserve and maintain the uniform quality standards of the Asyl Miras Centers, so that every child, regardless of the place of residence, has the opportunity to get professional support.”

The Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation has been implementing the “Autism. One World for All” Program since 2015. During this period, the Asyl Miras intervention programs have been completed by more than 14,000 children throughout Kazakhstan.
The methods used correspond to world-wide standards, and the training of Asyl Miras specialists in different years was carried out by such international experts as Dr. James Partington, Dr. Connie Kasari, Dr. Seth Clark, Dr. Alexan