Kyrgyzstan Faces Critical Shortage of Speech Therapists and Defectologists

Kyrgyzstan is grappling with a critical deficit of specialists trained in speech therapy and defectology, a situation that is hindering educational institutions across the country. The shortage is particularly acute in the southern regions, where no higher education institutions currently offer programs for defectologists and speech therapists.

In response to this pressing need, the Ministry of Science, Higher education, and Innovations has launched a new educational track called "special pedagogical education." This new direction encompasses speech therapy and surdopedagogy (education for the deaf). Experimental groups are already operational, state standards have been developed, and the ministry is working to implement this program in all pedagogical universities.

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Therefore, we have opened a new direction - 'special pedagogical education,' which includes speech therapy and surdopedagogy. Experimental groups are already working, state standards have been developed, and we are introducing this direction in all pedagogical universities.

Lawmakers in the Jogorku Kenesh, the Kyrgyz parliament, have repeatedly highlighted the scarcity of these essential professionals. Recently, Deputy Nurzhamal Torobekova pointed out that the entire Osh region has only three speech therapists. This lack of specialists comes at a time when the country is seeing a rise in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and speech development delays.

The initiative aims to address the growing demand for qualified professionals who can support children with developmental and communication challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary education and care.

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There are only three speech therapists for the entire Osh region.