RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Social Stories on Anesthesia Compliance in Children With Autism

The Effect of the Social Stories Technique on Anesthesia Compliance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

About This Trial

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience heightened anxiety and reduced cooperation during the perioperative period, which can complicate anesthesia induction and negatively affect procedural safety and efficiency. Non-pharmacological behavioral preparation methods that enhance predictability and understanding of medical procedures may improve anesthesia-related cooperation in this vulnerable population. The Social Stories Technique is a structured, visual-based behavioral intervention designed to support children with ASD by explaining upcoming experiences in a clear and developmentally appropriate manner. This prospective controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of the Social Stories Technique on anesthesia compliance and preoperative anxiety in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder undergoing elective surgery. Children in the intervention group will receive Social Stories materials to be reviewed with their families prior to surgery, while the control group will receive standard preoperative information only. Primary and secondary outcomes will include anesthesia induction compliance, preoperative anxiety levels. The findings of this study are expected to contribute evidence regarding the effectiveness of a low-risk, non-pharmacological behavioral intervention to improve perioperative care in children with ASD.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures - Children aged 3 to 18 years - American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I-II - Written willing to sign a consent form obtained from a parent or legal guardian - Caregivers willing and able to read the Social Stories materials at home as instructed - Caregivers able to understand the Social Stories materials prepared in the Turkish language Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - Children with ASA physical status class III or higher systemic disease - Patients requiring emergency surgery - Children with severe intellectual disability or significant visual or hearing impairment - History of severe behavioral problems during previous general anesthesia - Families unable or unwilling to comply with the Social Stories intervention during the study period - Inability to obtain written willing to sign a consent form from a parent or legal guardian - Children receiving pharmacological treatment for a comorbid psychiatric disorder Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

Inclusion Criteria: * Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder * Patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures * Children aged 3 to 18 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class I-II * Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian * Caregivers willing and able to read the Social Stories materials at home as instructed * Caregivers able to understand the Social Stories materials prepared in the Turkish language Exclusion Criteria: * Children with ASA physical status class III or higher systemic disease * Patients requiring emergency surgery * Children with severe intellectual disability or significant visual or hearing impairment * History of severe behavioral problems during previous general anesthesia * Families unable or unwilling to comply with the Social Stories intervention during the study period * Inability to obtain written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian * Children receiving pharmacological treatment for a comorbid psychiatric disorder

Treatments Being Tested

BEHAVIORAL

Social Stories Group

The Social Stories Technique is a non-pharmacological behavioral intervention designed to prepare children with Autism Spectrum Disorder for anesthesia. Social Stories materials will be provided to families and will be read to the child by caregivers once daily for 7-14 days prior to surgery. The effect of the intervention on reducing preoperative anxiety and on cooperation during anesthesia induction-specifically compliance with intravenous cannulation and/or face mask application-will be evaluated.

BEHAVIORAL

Routine Preoperative Preparation Group

Routine preoperative care consists of standard verbal information provided to caregivers regarding the anesthesia and surgical process during the preoperative anesthesia consultation. No Social Stories materials or additional behavioral preparation interventions will be used. Preoperative anxiety and cooperation during anesthesia induction, including compliance with intravenous cannulation and/or face mask application, will be evaluated.

Locations (1)

Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)