Parental Perception of the Perioperative Experience for Children With Autism

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) face unique challenges when preparing for and undergoing surgery in the perioperative setting. Our goal was to describe this experience via the qualitative evaluation of interviews with parents whose children with ASD had recently undergone surgery in a tertiary medical center. Twelve parents or guardians participated in these interviews. Two independent researchers recorded interviews and analyzed transcripts. The researchers analyzed the interview transcripts using qualitative software to determine the categories of frequent answers to interview questions. Important categories that emerged included behavioral triggers (ie, response to sounds, expression of anxiety and pain), objects used for comfort, communication issues, important people, and advice. We found that children with ASD have specific and unique needs for reassurance and comfort during a perioperative visit. We created a tool, included in this article, to provide a patient-centered framework for interactions with children with ASD in the perioperative environment.

Children with autism spectrum disorder in high technology medicine environments; a qualitative systematic review of parental perspectives

“…The category challenges in a new environment included the following subcategories: negative consequences of waiting times , sensory-rich environment affects the child’s behavior , familiar support can help the child to adjust, and benefits of having a plan (see Table 4 ). Nine of the ten studies were included in this category [ 26 – 33 , 35 ].…”

The interface of paediatric ENT and autism spectrum disorder: a complex conundrum for otolaryngologists

“…Autistic children have also been shown to exhibit a higher prevalence of anxiety, which can be particularly challenging in healthcare settings. 12 Sensory symptoms can become a serious challenge for autistic children and their carers. 2 A study by Fahy et al ., in a paediatric ENT setting, concluded that healthcare professionals considered parents to be the ‘experts’ when it came to managing and understanding their autistic children's needs.…”

“…With the rising incidence of ASD and studies consistently demonstrating an estimated 40% or more of diagnosed children showing symptoms of sound sensitivity 8 , it is key for Otolaryngologists and Audiologists to recognise the condition. Autistic children have also been shown to exhibit a higher prevalence of anxiety, which can be particularly challenging in healthcare settings 12 . Sensory symptoms can become a serious challenge for autistic children and their carers 2 .…”

“…The recommended method to test autistic children for auditory processing disorders is to check for uncomfortable loudness levels, requiring minimal verbal communication, relying on facial expression and body communication 10 . Although autistic children require more from healthcare systems, particularly in the otorhinolaryngology field, than their non-autistic counterparts, paradoxically they are less likely to have their needs met 12 . It has also been recognised that if an autistic child has hearing problems, this can delay the diagnosis of both conditions 3 .…”

“…10 Although autistic children require more from healthcare systems, particularly in the otorhinolaryngology field, than their non-autistic counterparts, paradoxically they are less likely to have their needs met. 12 It has also been recognised that if an autistic child has hearing problems, this can delay the diagnosis of both conditions. 3 Autistic children frequently present to ENT departments with non-auditory symptoms, including otitis media and allergic rhinitis.…”