Psychomotor intervention programme in an inclusive preschool setting: a pilot study

Social inclusion and behaviour challenges in naturalistic settings require targeted interventions when general support is insufficient. Psychomotor interventions have integrated features suitable for preschool children; however, further research is needed to establish their effectiveness. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and social validity of a selective psychomotor intervention programme on psychomotor and socio-emotional skills of preschool children (aged 4-6 years) with autism spectrum disorder (n=4) and neurotypical development (n=17). A sequential mixed-methods pre–post study without a control group investigates the preliminary effects on neuro-psychomotor functions, social skills, and problem behaviours. Data from focus groups and observations were also explored after a 12-session group-based intervention that included expressive and action-oriented bodily experiences. A significant improvement in neuro-psychomotor functions was found (z= –3.921, p<.001, r=.86), despite no considerable differences in the social and behavioural skills reported by parents and teachers. These findings provide an outlook on the psychomotor intervention programme’s validity and potential benefits for further study replication.