Effects of autism spectrum disorder on parents labour market: Productivity loss and policy evaluation in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Kazakhstan has witnessed a significant increase in the number of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases due to the implementation of mechanisms for early detection. At the same time, the government has implemented various policies to address the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on the labour market, especially for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and registered disability status. However, the effectiveness of these policies needs to be evaluated. Therefore, this article aims to estimate the loss of productivity, specifically the labour market cost of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Kazakhstan in 2022, by calculating the cost of non-working for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To achieve this goal, we integrate data from official sources and a survey conducted by the project team to estimate the loss of productivity using human capital models. In addition, we conduct policy simulations to assess the impact of the recent policies implemented in Kazakhstan to mitigate the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder on parents’ working experience. Our results reveal that the productivity loss is substantial, being mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and disability particularly affected. Furthermore, based on the outcomes of the policy simulations, it becomes evident that policies solely targeting parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and disability are insufficient to address the labour market gaps and the consequent loss of productivity. Lay abstract Kazakhstan has witnessed a significant increase in the number of Autism Spectrum Disorder cases due to the implementation of mechanisms for early detection. However, despite these efforts, accessing quality services and effective interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder remains challenging. While the government has implemented various policies to address the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on the labour market, especially for those with disabilities, the effectiveness of these policies needs to be evaluated. Therefore, this article aims to estimate the loss of productivity by calculating the cost of non-working for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To achieve this goal, we combine data from official sources with data from our own survey to estimate the loss of productivity using human capital models. In addition, we conduct policy simulations to assess the impact of the existing policy implemented in Kazakhstan that recognises the time of caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and disability as working in the paid labour market. Our results reveal that the productivity loss is substantial, with mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder being particularly affected. Furthermore, based on the outcomes of the policy simulations, it becomes evident that policies solely targeting parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and disability are insufficient to address the labour market gaps and the consequent loss of productivity. To effectively mitigate the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the labour market, a more comprehensive approach is needed. This approach should encompass a broader range of interventions and support mechanisms, including those for individuals without disabilities and parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.