Autism spectrum disorder — OSCE

Station brief (candidate)

• Explain that ASD is a clinical neurodevelopmental diagnosis based on social-communication and restricted/repetitive patterns across settings.
• State that supports can start while formal assessment completes.
• Outline audiology, multidisciplinary assessment and early intervention.
• Answer vaccine and “blood test for autism” questions accurately.
• Explain that medicines do not treat core social deficits; medicines may later target severe irritability or comorbidities only after formulation.
• Use plain language, strengths-based framing and teach-back. [1] [2] [5]

Role-player notes

You are a worried parent. You fear you “caused this,” wonder about vaccines, and ask whether a tablet will make your child “normal.” You become defensive if blamed, and cooperative if the doctor names strengths, gives a concrete plan this week, and avoids jargon. You need to hear what happens next for preschool and therapy. [1] [5]

Expected candidate performance

• Opens with a clear problem representation and checks understanding.
• Separates diagnosis (clinical) from aetiology testing (genetic work-up in selected children).
• States vaccines do not cause autism without shaming.
• Starts supports now: speech-language/early intervention, parent-mediated strategies, education liaison. [2] [3]
• Avoids promising a cure or immediate antipsychotic. Mentions irritability medicines only if asked, with behavioural-first framing and monitoring. [4]
• Safety-nets regression, seizures, severe self-injury and later mental health risk in age-appropriate terms. [1] [6]
• Uses teach-back and offers written summary plus follow-up owner. [5]

Marking anchors