Some of you know our little guy has had more then his share of medical issues over the past two years. at age 5&1/2 two weeks in intensive care and 5 weeks in a nursing home due to pneumococcal bacteremia. He has since had first at age 5&1/2 surgery for a hernia and Hydrocele on his left side and last week at age 7&1/2 a hernia repair and Hydrocele removal on the right side. He also has had ear tubes placed twice. Paul is severly autistic and we have had to advocate,advocate,advocate! to have his care run as smoothly as possible. Some things we would like to pass along and feel free to add your own are, when picking a Dr. always shop for one who is willing to deal with your childs autism. Dr. are human and some are more comfortable then others in dealing with autism. Of course in a emergency situation that is not always possible. Try to set a surgery time as early as possible lack of water and food can cause behavior problems. Even after numerous request for a early time we got a call the day before his last surgery he was scheduled for 3:30pm. It took 2 hours and many calls to get it changed to 7:30am. If your child mouths things like Paul does, ask for a private waiting space prior to surgery. We refused the first private space they offered us (it was the staff break room with 2 vending machines a microwave and sink in it) The main waiting room will be filled with parents who are tense and children who will have all kids of non edibles to keep them occupied like crayons ( Paul's snack of choice). If your child is having day surgery and is not required to visit for presurgical a day or two before surgery ( at our hospital only children staying overnight visit) always insist the day surgery staff meet him in advance. It will be easier to make special request if they get to see your child in action. if your child wears diapers bring plenty of your own diapers, hospital ones are often one size fit all cheap scratchy plastic ones and scare Little Paul. ask about drinks a child can have afterwards, hospital choices are limited Paul hates apple juice so we bring gatorade. bring a list of questions staff is often busy trying to get to the next patient and saying I have 6 questions prepares them to pay attention to you. Paul once home removed and ate his dressing Yuck! but we had prepared for that and knew what to look for and do because of the questions we asked. Bring a new toy or two your child has never seen before just make sure it is a quiet one. Paul loves musical toys but a drum is most likely not going to be welcome in post op. We have found ask for anything you want It never hurts to ask. We have had Paul's haircut by a barber,teeth checked, splinters removed all while he's been asleep for surgery.Anesthesia can be tricky Paul refuses to drink meds prior to surgery you are not allowed to delute them much. He also refuses to breath in using a mask while counting. In Paul's case we give him a quick shot of ketamine. It is not our first choice, he hates shots and it freezes him with eyes open, then they have to rush him to finish Anesthesia as it affects breathing. But the terror and fighting possibly hurting himself or others while attempting regular delivery of Anesthesia was far worse to go through. I hope none of you ever have to go through these issus with your children but if you ever do advocate!!! You know your child best and number one advice would be let staff that will be caring for your child meet him or her in advance even if it's not the way things are usually done. Remember a picture is worth a 1000 words.