134. Analysis of the improvement in the psychological state of children with autism after special preschool education intervention

Abstract Background Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant differences in social skills, emotional regulation, and behavioral adaptation. Statistics show that approximately 1% of children are affected by ASD, with 60% experiencing anxiety symptoms, 40% having depression or mood regulation disorders, and over 50% experiencing functional limitations in daily social interactions. Identifying behavioral indicators that can predict early improvement or deterioration of mental state is crucial for optimizing preschool intervention programs. Specialized preschool intervention, as a proactive intervention combining cognitive, social, and sensory training, can improve emotional management and social adaptation through behavioral practice, emotion regulation training, and group activities. Therefore, this study analyzes the improvement in the mental state of children with autism through psychological scale assessments and evaluates its actual effects on anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation abilities, providing empirical evidence for early non-pharmacological intervention. Methods This study included 120 children aged 3 ~ 6 years who met the clinical criteria for ASD. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 60). The intervention group received a 12-week special preschool education intervention, 5 times a week for 60 minutes each time, covering social skills training, emotion regulation training, and sensory integration activities. The control group received only routine daily care and play activities. Psychological status was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) at pre-intervention (T0), during intervention (week 6, T1), and post-intervention (week 12, T2). Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, with a significance level set at p