ASD and consent for surgery

[ImfromVega]

What happens in this situation ?

Had pre op assessment and in between pre op and date for surgery have had a diagnosis of autism.

When I get there on the day for my surgery will this be an issue ? Will they think I can’t consent properly or anything ? I won’t get sent away on the day will I?

It won’t change anything. They’ll probably not even acknowledge that you’re autistic.

Being autistic doesn’t automatically mean you have an associated learning disorder.

So they won’t reschedule my surgery or anything? It’s just I need to tell them as I have some difficulties around the hospital environment and may need a few minor adjustments or even just for those caring for me to be aware of it but I was worrying they’d have to redo my consent etc and it would cause my surgery to be cancelled which is the last thing I need

The autism diagnosis won’t mean your surgery is cancelled.

You should have raised whatever adjustments you need already so they should already be aware. If you haven’t then it will probably depend on what you’re asking for and how easy it is to put in place, for whether it will need rescheduling.

They won’t cancel or reschedule.

Ask PALS at your hospital if they have any kind of policy for autistic patient: they may have a document called a “passport” in which you can request modifications to eg meet your sensory/communication needs.

Autism is not usually a barrier to giving consent.

I'm autistic and was fully able to consent to surgery. There was never any question that I couldn't

No, an autism diagnosis alone does not affect capacity to consent. It does entitle you to reasonable adjustments and the earlier you ask for those- the better they will be able to accommodate them.

Being autistic doesn’t mean you are mentally impaired. You simply process information differently than the majority of the population. For some, it can be a net advantage, despite the world being designed for neuro-typical people.

there are people with autism who also have learning disabilities or who are so overwhelmed by the sensory stimulation that they struggle to function independently. If you were one of those people, you likely wouldn’t have been able to take yourself to the appointment to discuss your surgery.

Thank you so much I was really worried it might affect things!

I think mostly I just need the people caring for me to be aware, I have a phobia of needles too and ARFID so it’s just a few issues that I need to highlight. I didn’t say at my pre op as I thought without an actual diagnosis it wouldn’t be actioned anyway so I was waiting to be able to say for definite but then I thought ‘oh no what if they question my capacity ?’ (I’ve had family act strangely towards me as if they think ASD and learning difficulties always go together so that made me anxious)

A needle phobia isn’t related to autism, so really that should have come up beforehand but you could let them know still.

Youll probably need to arrange someone to bring in the foods you need for the ARFID.

An autism diagnosis will have no bearing on your ability to consent.
Mental capacity to consent is assumed until proven otherwise.
An autism diagnosis on its own is irrelevant as far as mental capacity goes so please don’t worry.
Good luck with your surgery, just let them know you’re newly diagnosed, if you wish.

Needle phobia and AFRID are just as relevant with or without a diagnosis so please let them know.

A diagnosis of autism won't affect anything unless you are incapable of independent thinking.

You just need to be able to understand what's going to happen.

A needle phobia is a separate issue. Many people are scared of needles.

Unless you have been deemed incapable of independent thought then you are deemed capable of consenting to the procedure on the day.