Attention Training in Autism as a Potential Approach to Improving Academic Performance: A School-Based Pilot Study
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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Mayra Muller Spaniol1, Lilach Shalev2, Lila Kossyvaki3
1Department of Developmental Disorders, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo, Brazil. mayramspaniol@gmail.com.
Abstract:
This study assessed the effectiveness of an attention intervention program (Computerized Progressive Attentional Training; CPAT) in improving academic performance of children with ASD. Fifteen 6-10 year olds with ASD attending a mainstream and a special school were assigned to an experimental (CPAT; n = 8) and active control (computer games; n = 7) group. Children were assessed pre- and post-intervention on measures of behavioural symptoms, cognitive skills and academic performance. The intervention was conducted in school twice a week for 8 weeks. Children in the CPAT group showed cognitive and academic improvements over and above the active control group, while children in both groups showed improvements in behaviour. Results suggest that attention training is a feasible approach to improving academic performance in this population.
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