Management of a patient with autism following ingestion of a foreign body.

Patients with autism often find admission to hospital an anxious time. Awareness of the condition, a speedy diagnosis and flexibility in adapting treatment plans will facilitate early discharge and return to their familiar environment. We describe a patient with severe autism who presented with an acute abdomen secondary to ingestion of a foreign body which required laparotomy. Communication directly to medical staff was greatly limited due to severe autism and close liaison with family members was essential in interpreting scant clinical signs. At the time of surgery a rubber bottle teat was found causing transection of small bowel due to erosion of the foreign body. The postoperative course was fraught with challenges and ensuring side room nursing care with family members present throughout his admission minimised postoperative stress and confusion. We recommend awareness of management strategies for patients with autism to ensure rapid recovery and early discharge home.