10 YEARS OF ASYL MIRAS: REGIONAL SYMPOSIUM HELD AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY

Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University hosted the regional symposium “Evidence-Based Practices and Interagency Cooperation in Supporting Children with ASD,” dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Asyl Miras Autism Center.

The event brought together specialists in education, healthcare, psychological and pedagogical support, representatives of the academic community, and organizations working with children with autism spectrum disorder. The participants focused on modern approaches to supporting children with ASD, the application of evidence-based practices, and the development of effective interagency cooperation.

The event was opened by Bulbul Zhomartkyzy Kozybayeva, Deputy Head of the East Kazakhstan Regional Department of Education.

The Chairman of the Board – Rector Gulzhan Jarassova delivered a welcoming address to the participants.

Holding the symposium at Amanzholov University is especially significant in the context of the long-standing cooperation between the University and the Asyl Miras Autism Center. For ten years, the organizations have worked together in the professional training of specialists, practical training of students, exchange of experience, and development of approaches to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder.

One of the key presentations focused on the ten years of experience accumulated by the Asyl Miras Autism Center. Dinara Amangeldinovna Dyussembinova, Acting Head of the Center, spoke about its achievements, established practices, and prospects for the further development of the support system for children with ASD.

The symposium also addressed issues related to systematic support for children with autism and their families. Gulmira Kurmambayevna Murzalinova, Director General of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, presented the Foundation’s experience in this area, while Gul Madiyevna Kusainova, Chief Pediatrician of East Kazakhstan Region, discussed early development monitoring within the healthcare system. Participants also considered cooperation between families and schools, assessment of special educational needs, and the role of various specialists in supporting children.

Particular attention was paid to public awareness. Alima Kabdulyashimovna Alipova, Head of the Dana Bala Center for Continuing and Inclusive Education at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, presented the results of a social study on public awareness of autism.

A special part of the event was the presentation of a balance trainer to the Asyl Miras Autism Center. The equipment was manufactured at Amanzholov University as part of a commercialization project and was presented by The Chairman of the Board – Rector Gulzhan Jarassova.

The practical part of the symposium continued at the University. Specialists from Asyl Miras conducted a master class on the early identification of signs of ASD, while representatives of the psychological, medical and pedagogical consultation service and the psychological and pedagogical support office addressed issues of interagency cooperation and early intervention. Bibinur Kainullakyzy Zhumagaliyeva, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology and Correctional Pedagogy, presented the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), an early intervention approach for children with ASD based on development through play.

An important aspect of this cooperation is the training of qualified professionals and the continuity of practical experience. All employees of the Asyl Miras Autism Center in Ust-Kamenogorsk are graduates of Amanzholov University. The knowledge gained at the University and the experience acquired at the Dana Bala Center for Continuing and Inclusive Education continue to be applied in their professional activities.

This is how the connection between university education and practice is built: future specialists receive fundamental training, master effective methods of work, and then apply and further develop their competencies while working with children with ASD and their families.

The regional symposium became a platform for professional dialogue and exchange of experience among representatives of different fields. Participants discussed evidence-based practices, early identification of ASD, interagency cooperation, and further areas of professional collaboration.

The ten-year partnership between Amanzholov University and the Asyl Miras Autism Center represents consistent work aimed at combining educational and practical potential, training specialists, and improving the system of support for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.