ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents unique perioperative challenges that require specialized approaches to anesthetic management. This paper draws upon my clinical experience as an anesthesiologist with over 15 years of experience managing patients with ASD, synthesizing evidence-based practices with personal observations to propose a comprehensive protocol for perioperative care. Key elements include individualized preoperative assessment, structured preparation strategies, sensory-friendly environmental modifications, and tailored pharmacological approaches. The protocol emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, multidisciplinary collaboration, and careful attention to emergence and recovery phases. Evidence suggests that patients with ASD may have altered responses to anesthetic medications, necessitating personalized dosing strategies. By applying this protocol in my practice, I have observed significant improvements in patient cooperation, reduced perioperative anxiety, and increased parental satisfaction. This paper aims to provide clinicians with practical strategies for optimizing anesthetic care for patients with ASD while highlighting areas requiring further research.
SASIDHARAN et al. (Tue,) studied this question.