Anaesthesia and the autistic child.

There appears to be little literature in paediatric anaesthetic practice relevant to children suffering with autism (Rainey & Van der Walt 1998). Recent findings suggest a need for rigorous study of the potential problems that autistic children may have when undergoing an anaesthetic (Kirz 2007). Some healthcare professionals do not have the knowledge or professional guidance to be able to identify these children (DH 2001, Disability Rights Commission 2006, DH 2008a, b, 2009, Rankin 2009).