Starting early intervention before the label — OSCE

Station tasks

Acknowledge fear and prior dismissal. Explain that support and diagnosis run in parallel. Clarify that starting EI is not a lifetime label announcement. Agree two functional family goals. Arrange hearing/vision as indicated and EI referral with a named owner. Safety-net the waitlist and offer flexible appointment options for shift work. Avoid cure promises and coercion. [1] [2] [3] [5] [6]

Marking anchors

Must hit: parallel pathway language; hearing/vision or clear sensory plan; family-owned goals; named follow-up owner; no cure guarantee; non-coercive stance. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Should hit: parent-mediated practice between sessions; flexible access for shift work; written plan. [3] [6]

Fail if the candidate insists on waiting for all tests before any help, promises cure, or dismisses parental concern. [1] [5]

Model communication skeleton

"I can see how frightening this is, and I am sorry you were told only to wait. Starting help now does not mean we have finished understanding your child, and it is not a lifetime stamp today. While we check hearing and complete assessments, we can begin early intervention and practice at home on goals you choose—like helping them ask for things and join play. I will name who owns the referral and when I will check it has been received. Early programmes can improve skills for some children; they are not a cure promise. If shift work makes visits hard, we will plan around that." [1] [2] [3] [4] [6] [7]

Debrief teaching point

A referral letter without engagement is not intervention. Parallel support, family goals and waitlist ownership define competent early intervention care planning. [2] [3]