On February 21, an international practical conference titled "ABA of the 21st Century: Life Skills, Individuality, Values" will take place in Bishkek. The event will focus on issues related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), modern correction methods, family support, and the development of an inclusive society.
Autism is one of the most important topics in the fields of medicine and education today. International studies show that the number of children with ASD is constantly increasing, making early diagnosis, social adaptation, and support relevant issues. In Kyrgyzstan, there is no official statistics on early detection of autism; however, there has been a significant rise in the number of ASD diagnoses among children. The conference will provide a platform for open exchange of opinions and experiences among specialists striving to apply modern and effective methods of applied behavior analysis, as well as to create a supportive environment for people with autism. During the event, great attention will be paid to interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of practical experiences, including the formation of life skills considering cultural context and family values.
There are about 50 correctional and educational centers operating in Bishkek that work with children with developmental delays. The conference will facilitate the unification of efforts among interdisciplinary specialists to ensure quality assistance for children with ASD.
The conference's focus on practice makes it useful for ABA specialists, educators, doctors, speech therapists, defectologists, children's center managers, and parents—everyone who works with children with developmental disabilities and uses evidence-based methods.
Leading specialists from both international and national levels in the fields of medicine, psychology, and pedagogy, as well as representatives of the expert community, will participate in the conference. The headliner of the event will be Daria Li-Romanova, a clinical psychologist and supervisor from Hong Kong (AR, BCBA, IBA, CBA-S). Experts from Russia have also been invited.
National expertise will be represented by specialists with extensive experience working with children with special needs.
The conference format includes presentations, panel discussions, and discussions on current issues faced by families and professionals. The conference organizers have initiated a charitable campaign allowing parents of children with ASD to participate in the event for free.
The holding of this conference emphasizes the importance of public attention to autism issues and the need to unite efforts to create an inclusive society where everyone has the right to understanding, support, and the realization of their potential.
