Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's Autism Program Shines at AmCham Awards

A Groundbreaking Achievement for the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

On November 21, 2025, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation's renowned autism program, "One World for All," received the prestigious Healthcare Award during the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan's (AmCham) annual awards ceremony held in Astana. This award underscores the transformative impact that the foundation has had on autism support and inclusion across Kazakhstan.

The award was presented to the foundation by an independent committee, recognizing its pioneering role in promoting early diagnosis, training specialists, and fostering inclusive practices for children on the autism spectrum (ASD). Launched in 2015, this comprehensive program operates 13 autism centers named Asyl Miras in 12 cities of Kazakhstan. It provides free services that leverage the expertise of psychologists, speech therapists, and behavioral analysts. The foundation employs internationally recognized evidence-based methods, including ABA therapy, JASPER, early childhood intervention models, and crisis management techniques.

Over the past decade, the program has reached more than 17,000 children and their families, and over 300 specialists have received training in internationally recognized interventions. This statistic highlights not only the immediate support provided but also the widespread influence of the program on professional development within the field.

Moreover, the program has played a pivotal role in raising public awareness and embedding a culture of inclusion in Kazakhstan. Initiatives such as the Autism Friendly project have trained staff at Almaty and Kyzylorda airports, as well as employees of Air Astana, to create more accessible environments for individuals with ASD. Almaz Sharman, Chair of the Board of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, remarked, "For us, this award signifies that the topic of inclusion is increasingly significant for society. When we launched the Autism program under the banner 'One World for All', our goal was to help children with ASD realize their potential and integrate into a world that accepts and supports them. Today, we are witnessing real changes; thousands of families have found support, and society is becoming more open and understanding. This encourages us to move forward."

Remarkably, this is the second consecutive year that the foundation has received acclaim from AmCham. In 2024, it was awarded in the Community Service category for its extensive charitable work and contribution to social development in Kazakhstan.

AmCham represents leading international and national businesses operating in key economic sectors within Kazakhstan, promoting a competitive, transparent business environment conducive to investment through advocacy, political dialogue, and collaboration with the government.

As the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation continues to champion autism awareness and support, there is hope that more organizations will follow suit, fostering inclusivity and understanding for all individuals within society.