EFFECTS OF THE RITA BRASIL METHOD ON THE SCHOOL INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

The study evaluated the effectiveness of the Rita Brasil Method of Pedagogical Intervention, aimed at the school inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a retrospective study conducted with 21 children assisted at the Association of Friends of Autistic People of Bahia (AMA-BA) between 2022 and 2024. The intervention is based on five pillars: affectivity/interaction, communication, self-care, motor skills, and cognition, which are stimulated through accessible materials and individualized plans. Statistical analysis of pre and post-intervention scores showed significant improvements in the self-care (p = 0.032; r = –0.537) and cognition (p = 0.005; r = –0.706) pillars, with moderate and strong effect sizes, respectively. The other dimensions showed improvement, although not statistically significant. The results suggest that the method contributes to functional development and pedagogical inclusion, especially in socially vulnerable contexts. Despite methodological limitations, such as the absence of a control group and a small sample, the study reinforces the method’s feasibility as an inclusive strategy, with potential for replication in other educational settings.