The team can make anesthesia easier by keeping the day calm, predictable, and tailored to the patient’s needs. A structured and consistent environment helps lower stress. The plan should be built with the parent or caregiver, since they know the patient best. Visual cues, social stories, and comfort items can help, and the team should use one person to speak during induction so the room stays quiet and clear.

Helpful steps can include:

• Letting the patient come in through a specific entrance and parking area to reduce sensory overload.
• Skipping the waiting room when possible and going straight to the preop area.
• Dimming lights, limiting noise and foot traffic, and allowing familiar clothes or comfort items.
• Giving extra time for decisions and answers, since processing may take longer.
• Considering a parent-present induction, a mask plan, or an IV plan based on what works best for that patient.
• Using premedication only when needed, including oral medicine mixed into a preferred drink or, as a last resort, IM ketamine for severe refusal or rapid escalation.

The team can also plan ahead for timing, such as a first-case start or less waiting time, and may recover the patient in a quieter area with a familiar person nearby. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.