Author: Aysha Aldayar
Mentor: Madina Alimkhanova
In Kazakhstan, as in many other countries, the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising. According to international statistics, one in every 36 children is born with this condition. Parents are increasingly noticing that their children avoid eye contact, do not respond to their name, or fail to speak. But attempts to understand what is happening are often met with delayed diagnoses and a lack of systemic support.
This journey almost always begins with anxiety, isolation, and a desperate search for answers on the internet. Meanwhile, official data show that more than 2,400 children with ASD are currently enrolled in Kazakhstani schools and kindergartens. Authorities report expanding inclusive education and training teachers, but the shortage of specialized professionals remains a serious problem. Orda.kz set out to understand how the country’s inclusive education system actually works and what challenges families face every day.
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