Henawy Educational Foundation (H.E.F Academy) is a trusted center for inclusive education, rehabilitation, and training.
We support children with disabilities, parents, educators, and organizations with evidence-based programs that promote independence, learning, and lifelong success.

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With 27+ years of specialized experience, H.E.F Academy is more than a service provider — we’re a trusted partner in inclusive education and community empowerment.

What Sets Us Apart:

Dr. Mohamed Elhenawy, Ph.D.

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Disability & Inclusive Education Consultant | Regional Leader in Development & Advocacy

With over 27 years of experience across Egypt and the Arab world, Dr. Elhenawy is a pioneering figure in inclusive education, autism, and special needs advocacy. He has led national and international projects with partners like the European Union, UNESCO, UNICEF, and Vodafone Foundation — transforming how communities support children with disabilities.

As the founder of H.E.F Academy, he combines academic expertise with grassroots fieldwork to build programs that are practical, inclusive, and deeply impactful.

The First Arabic Scientific Study on Hyperlexia in the Middle East

Dr. Mohamed Elhenawy is the first researcher in the Arab world to specialize in Hyperlexia—a rare developmental condition often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

His Ph.D. dissertation is the first Arabic-language academic research to define, assess, and diagnose Hyperlexia in children. Through this groundbreaking work, he developed the first standardized Arabic diagnostic scale for Hyperlexia, filling a critical gap in early detection and support across the region.

This research led to the creation of the “Hyperlexia Egypt” initiative, aiming to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and provide resources for professionals and families alike.

What Is Hyperlexia?

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The term Hyperlexia has emerged in recent decades, referring to an excessive ability to read printed words. The term is derived from two components: “Hyper,” meaning over or excessive, and “Lexia,” meaning vocabulary or words. Dr. Mohamed El-Henawy introduced the term Developmental Hyper-Reading Disorder to describe this condition, in which symptoms manifest as an advanced ability to read words (print) at an age earlier than the typical reading stage. In fact, a child with hyperlexia may be able to decode written words before producing spoken language within the normal course of language development. This ability to read is usually accompanied by difficulty in comprehending the meanings and concepts conveyed by the read words.

The American Hyperlexia Association (AHA) defines hyperlexia as a cluster of observable characteristics among children who typically display:

  • An early ability to read words beyond what would be expected for their chronological age, or an intense fascination with letters and numbers.
  • Significant difficulty in understanding spoken language.
  • Marked deficits in social skills, with difficulties in communication and appropriate social interaction.

Dr. Mohamed El-Henawy defines hyperlexia, under the term Developmental Hyper-Reading Disorder, as the early, spontaneous acquisition of reading skills linked to the recognition of visual letter symbols before the age of five. This ability is accompanied by pronounced deficits in reading comprehension, understanding both spoken and written language, written expression, verbal communication skills, and social interaction.

Real Impact, Built Together

Over the years, H.E.F Academy has partnered with a wide range of schools, NGOs, international organizations, and government institutions to deliver inclusive education and developmental programs that change lives.

Through collaboration, we’ve co-designed successful models in:

Inclusive school reform

Autism intervention programs

Teacher training and capacity building

Support for orphans, refugees, and marginalized communities

Digital platforms for learning and disability support

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Get the Support You Need — Today

Partner with H.E.F to unlock your child’s potential, build inclusive classrooms, or strengthen your organization’s impact.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or NGO leader—we’re here to help you create lasting change.

Let’s work together for inclusive success.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation or learn more about our programs.

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