Autism Therapy: surgery

definition of surgery: not yet defined.

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Journal of Anesthesia, by Shah, S., Shah S., Apuya J., Gopalakrishnan S., and Martin T., published in 2009, summarized Apr 20, 2009

The drugs ketamine and midazolam may be used to prepare children with severe autism for surgery.

It can be hard to manage a patient with autism who has to have surgery. Sometimes doctors must use restraints and forced shots and this can be hard on the patient and the family. There are few studies on drugs that can be used to treat patients with autism to make it easier for them to go into surgery. This case report describes a patient with severe autism who needed general anesthesia for tooth surgery. The authors found that placing the ketamine and midazolam in the soft drink Dr. Pepper made it easy for the patient to take it.


Epilepsy & Behavior, by Danielsson, S., Viggedal G., Gillberg C., and Olsson I., published in 2008, summarized Mar 13, 2008

Vagus nerve stimulation does not seem to help with autism or epilepsy in children who have both autism and epilepsy.

Between 7 and 42% of people with autism also have epilepsy. Vagus nerve stimulation is sometimes used for people with severe epilepsy who do not respond to drug therapy and who cannot receive epilepsy surgery. Many children with this type of severe epilepsy also have other problems such as autism. This study was designed to see if vagus nerve stimulation is able to help the symptoms of autism in children with autism and epilepsy. The study had only eight children and none of the children had a decreased number of seizures after two years of vagus nerve stimulation.


J Oral Maxillofac Surg, by Lalwani, K., Kitchin J., and Lax P., published in 2007, summarized Apr 16, 2007

Office-based sedation seems safe for children with autism who need dental work.

The pediatric sedation service model allows children to be sedated for dental surgery and dental work wherever dentists practice. The authors of this study looked at the best way to sedate children with special needs who needed dental surgery; 38% of the children in their study had autism. They found that the pediatric sedation service model was as safe as general anesthesia in an operating room. They found that one of the best ways to make sure that children are safe is to be sure that children are screened for sleep apnea syndrome (poor breathing while asleep). They also note that sedation is safest when done with a doctor present.


Many children with neurological disorders, including autism, suffer from poor vision. Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis) has created an innovative program to repair vision through laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy, or LASEK, in which the cornea is reshaped with a laser. Additional types of surgery performed include implantation of a phakic intraocular lens, leaving the natural lens in place; the other is a lens extraction technique, in which the natural eye lens is removed and replaced with another type of implant.

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Please comment on this autism topic.

understanding my 18 year old - Danielle

Mar 16, 2008 by Anonymous

I'm new to so much of this, but I thought I would explain, then ask for guidance. Born in 1989, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as age one. Multiple hospitalization, didn't walk until age three and a half, didn't talk until age three, for years all was assumed related to the JRA. Open heart surgery at age three due to an atrial septal defect, again more delays. Speech therapy up until her 8th grade. We held her back in the 3rd grade due to maturity issues. We have had her tested at school three different times for a learning disorder to no avail. She always tested below average, but not extremely significant. Pediatricians and specialist never could quite put their finger on it. TEACH program at Chapel Hill was an option, however, out of network and not within our budget and 2 hrs one way. When she turned 18 we got her in to see a psychologist and several visits later we have this diagnosis of Asperger's Syndromel. I'm grateful to have a diagnosis, however, I feel helpless on what to do. She is a senior, hopefully graduating in June. No support groups in our area. How do I help her gain some independence? be safe in society?  My patience wears thin at times when she seems to be coming into the "teenage girl years" of boys.

A "plan" for the future from her is just not in the real world. Will she make it to college? She works at a grocery store part-time, but has been counseled related to her "social skills" - inappropriate at times, lacking at times at the register, literal always thus confusion. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks for reading


Epilepsy

Feb 23, 2007 by Anonymous

Epilepsy has been described as "an excessive and disorderly discharge of cerebral nervous tissue on muscles." Between 30 and 40% of individuals with autism have epilepsy. It can be very stressful for the individual as well as the family. Treatments include: antiepileptic drugs, surgery, vagal nerve stimulation, and a ketogenic diet.


adolescent sexuality in AS

Jan 6, 2007 by Anonymous

Our daughter, who has high functioning Asperger Syndrome, is experiencing gender dysphoria. At this point, she is miserable in her own body, and is asking for surgery and hormone therapy.

 

Does anyone know of articles, books, or professionals who can help her/us to sort this out?

 



Please comment on surgery or other autism therapy topics.

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