A surgical procedure can be a frightening experience for any parent and their child, specially for a child with autism syndrome. If your child needs a surgical procedure with anesthesia, you must know that anesthesia can be broken down into three basic types: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia and sedation anesthesia. There are some suggestions and information for parents that have children with autism syndrome.

First of all you must schedule a preoperative visit with your child's anesthesiologist or call him. You may speak with the anesthesiologist that will take care of your child or ask that child's anesthesiologist could call you before the date of surgery. To reduce stress and anxiety you must discuss about your child's particular needs, fears, communication level and ability to understand what is happening so that your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia can be prepared for the event.

If your child with autism syndrome is on medication, the anesthesiologist will have some directions for your child. It is important for a child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia not to have food before surgery.

Also a story and visual picture you learn of the preoperative visit at the anesthesiologist will help your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia.

Once you arrive to the consulting room you must ask lots of questions so that you know what will happen with your child with autism syndrome and dental anesthesia during surgery.

It is important to ask about the sequence of events leading up to the surgery, if your child will go into a holding area or induction room so that you can be present. You must know if your child will have an injection or a mask because some children are afraid of needles. Also, you must ask if you will be there when the child wakes up or when can you visit him after surgery.

If your child with autism syndrome has a favorite blanket, toy or stuffed animal bring them to him because it will help pass the time during the wait.

Children with autism syndrome need sameness and continuity in their environment. A gradual and slow exposure to the dental office is therefore recommended.