Anaesthesia for the child with special needs

Abstract

This review article aims to address the perioperative course of the child with special needs presenting to theatre. It focuses mainly on children with an intellectual disability presenting to theatre as well as children with autism, behavioural and emotional disorders or the sensory impaired child who presents to theatre. These children can present to theatre for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures that may or may not be related to their special needs condition. Relieving preoperative anxiety and the use of a multidisciplinary team and parents or caregivers is crucial in the perioperative management of these patients. Specialised communication skills and adequate preoperative pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures assist in making the process atraumatic.