Regional Forum Held on “Methods of Integrating Children with Autism into Society”

On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, marked on April 2, a regional forum titled “Methods of Integrating Children with Autism into Society” was held at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University.
The event aimed to discuss effective strategies for integrating children with autism into the social environment and to address key issues in inclusive education and special pedagogy. The forum brought together leading scholars and educators from the western region of Kazakhstan, as well as speech therapists, defectologists, practitioners, and students.
Among the speakers were:

• Professor Kenes Nurgaliyev of  M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University

• Yerlan Kumiskaliyev, founder of the “Malenkaya Strana” project and author of scientific works on hippotherapy

• Gaukhar Zholdybayeva and Aigerim Sharipova, senior lecturers from the Sh. Yesenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering

• Zhanar Bekzhanova, senior lecturer of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy at Atyrau University

• Meiramgul Yesengulova, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor at K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University

• Asiya Tazhbentai, founder of the “Soile Balaqai” speech therapy and correctional development center

• Nuraina Meiramgaliyeva, a 3rd-year student in the Speech Therapy program
Senior Lecturer Zhanar Bekzhanova presented on ABA therapy as an effective intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
“The primary goal of any method aimed at addressing ASD is to improve the child’s quality of life and to equip them with skills that remove barriers to education and independent living. One of the most effective and applicable methods in achieving these goals is ABA therapy. ABA is an intensive educational program based on behavioral technologies and teaching techniques. As a scientific discipline, ABA studies the impact of environmental factors on behavior and uses this understanding to modify human behavior.”
The forum also featured discussions on methods for children with emotional and speech disorders, sensory integration techniques, and practical demonstrations of specialized exercises.
Speech therapist and defectologist Asiya Tazhbentai gave a presentation on sensory integration disorders in children, noting:
“The main goal of parents, teachers, and rehabilitation specialists is to use the neuroplastic potential of the nervous system to develop the child’s sensitivity through the sensory system, activate compensatory brain mechanisms, and thereby unlock cognitive and emotional-volitional abilities. The sensory system is vital for life as it helps us navigate our environment, detect danger, preserve life, find food, and communicate with others.”
At the conclusion of the forum, speech therapy students presented a special stage performance, and participants were awarded letters of appreciation.