AT AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY, AN EVENT WAS HELD IN OBSERVANCE OF WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

At East Kazakhstan University named after Sarsen Amanzholov, an event was held dedicated to World Autism Awareness Day, which is observed annually on April 2.

The event was organized by the Center for Inclusive and Continuing Education “Dana Bala” in collaboration with the Department of Psychology and Correctional Pedagogy. The initiative was carried out with active participation from third-year students of the “Defectology” program.

The main goal of the event was to raise awareness about autism, showcase the abilities of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and draw attention to the importance of their support and social integration.

Participants included students of the Higher College along with teachers Zh. A. Orazgalieva and L. A. Asylkhanova.

The program featured four interactive stations: “Understand Without Words,” “Special World,” “Open Space,” and “Trust.” Participants completed special tasks simulating the perceptual characteristics of people with autism, as well as took part in game formats aimed at developing empathy and understanding.

The interactive format allowed participants to better experience the sensory and communicative features that people with ASD encounter in daily life, and to see the world through their eyes.

A special highlight for the guests was an exhibition of drawings by children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders aged 6 to 18. The exhibition demonstrated the unique perception of the world and creative potential of the authors. An informational stand dedicated to World Autism Awareness Day was also displayed.

According to the organizers, holding such events helps foster a culture of inclusion, develop empathy in society, and represents an important step from inclusive education toward an inclusive society.