Culturally Adapted Infographic-Based Intervention Enhances Perceptual and Academic Skills in Arab Children with Autism: A Pilot Study in Egyptian Inclusive Classrooms

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated the effectiveness of an infographic-based intervention for enhancing perceptual and academic skills in young Arab children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within Egyptian inclusive classrooms. A key feature of this research is that both the 16-session training program and the researcher-developed assessment tools were thematically derived from the national "Discover" curriculum used in the first three primary grades. The results demonstrated statistically significant and durable improvements in visual perception, auditory perception, and basic academic skills, with all gains maintained at a one-month follow-up. As a foundational investigation, this study provides crucial preliminary evidence for the efficacy of culturally relevant visual aids. It establishes a vital groundwork, paving the way for larger and more diverse research to build upon these promising findings for children with ASD in the Arab region.