Kazakhstan's Autism Crisis Leaves Families Struggling Without Support

A parliamentary inquiry in Kazakhstan has highlighted the struggles of families raising children with autism. Despite constitutional guarantees, thousands face a lack of support, leaving many to manage alone. MP Guldara Nurumova has now called for urgent reforms to address the issue. In 2022, Kazakhstan recorded around 60 autism cases per 100,000 children. The total number of registered children with autism has since risen to over 21,000—a fivefold increase in just five years. Yet, only a small fraction receive full social integration support.

The country operates roughly 80 rehabilitation centres, but no unified system exists to coordinate care. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, and Ministry of Education each play limited roles, leaving gaps in assistance. Many families are forced into round-the-clock caregiving, often pushing one parent out of work entirely. Nurumova's inquiry frames the issue as a matter of justice, pointing to constitutional rights that remain unfulfilled. She has proposed a new interagency support framework, mandatory autism screening, and direct aid for affected families.

The inquiry puts pressure on Kazakhstan's government to strengthen autism support. Without systemic changes, families will continue to bear the burden alone. The proposed reforms aim to create a more structured and accessible network of care.