EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN CHILDREN IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

To assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among children in Kazakhstan, the availability of psychiatric and correctional care, and to identify barriers to diagnosis and treatment.

The data from the statistical collection "Psychiatric Care to the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan" (2015-2023) and the results of an online survey of 188 parents of children with ASD, conducted in 2021 through public organizations in 29 cities/towns, were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression were used.

In 2023, the number of psychiatrists was 0.4 per 10,000 population, psychotherapists - 0.01. The contingent of children with ASD increased from 8.6 (2015) to 161.3 per 100 thousand children aged 0-17 years (2023), primary incidence - from 4.3 to 33.6 per 100 thousand (2015-2022). The survey revealed that 81.4% of children receive correction, but ABA therapy is available to only 4.3% of them. The average age of diagnosis is 2.5 years, and 79.8% of parents have low awareness-the main barriers are a shortage of specialists, high cost of services, and stigmatization.

Low detection rates of ASD (compared to the US - 3220 per 100,000, South Korea - 2640) are due to a lack of screening, shortage of specialists, and low awareness. The study highlights the unique challenges of Central Asia, where a lack of data and resources hinders diagnosis and support. A national program of screening, training of specialists, and subsidizing of ABA therapy is needed. The work holds international importance for countries with transition economies, particularly in Central Asia, where similar problems necessitate systemic solutions.