NCT07356895

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

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Education and Research Hospital · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 3 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Social Stories

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-30
• Primary completion: 2026-08-03
• Completion: 2026-08-20
• First posted: 2026-01-21
• Last updated: 2026-02-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)