Simple storytime before surgery may ease anxiety for kids with autism

NCT ID NCT07356895

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a simple, non-drug method called Social Stories can help children with autism feel less anxious and cooperate better when getting anesthesia for surgery. Forty children aged 3 to 18 will either read a special story at home for 1-2 weeks before surgery or receive standard preparation. Researchers will measure how calm the child is and how well they accept the anesthesia mask or IV.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Social Stories behavioral intervention

What this could lead to

If it works, this could give families a simple, drug-free way to help children with autism have less anxiety and better cooperation during surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The intervention depends on caregiver consistency, and the effect may be modest.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Ankara Etlik City Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Ankara, 06000, Turkey (Türkiye)

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••