Observational Prospective Study on Behavioral Outcomes of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Comparison to Those Without Neurodevelopmental Diagnoses

Observational Prospective Study on Behavioral Outcomes of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Comparison to Those Without Neurodevelopmental Diagnoses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the world. Approximately 1% of the population worldwide is affected by this disorder. Children with ASD exhibit some very stereo-typical behaviors. Their daily functionality depends on very rigid and predictable schedules and routines. Any changes in their schedules can often trigger negative emotional outbursts. The need to come to the hospital for procedures can be one such trigger. The purpose of this study is to examine the post anesthesia behavior outcomes of children with ASD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 2 years through 17 years of age scheduled for a procedure with anesthesia at Boston Children's Hospital
• Patients must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the DSM IV and DSM V (autism group) or an ASA score of I or II and no history of neurodevelopmental concerns (control group)

Exclusion Criteria:

-Families who are not able to read and speak English well enough to complete the validated surveys