Sensory differences counselling — communication OSCE

Objectives

1. Validate sensory concerns without over-labelling. [1]
2. Screen for medical mimics and broader neurodevelopment. [3]
3. Build an environmental and school plan. [6]
4. Discuss OT evidence honestly. [4]

Candidate brief

12-minute station with parents. Child not acutely unwell. [1]

Expected actions

• Open with belief and partnership; map noise/touch/food contexts and function. [1]
• Ask about hearing, pain, sleep, anxiety, social communication and attention. [3]
• Explain dimensional sensory features; avoid promising a single contested SPD stamp as the whole answer. [1]
• Offer environment and school adjustments first; OT referral with participation goals. [6]
• Explain mixed intervention evidence without dismissing family hope. [4]
• Safety-net medical red flags and family stress. [9]
• If procedures arise later: adapt care, do not abandon. [10]

Marking

Pass: validation, mimic screen, practical plan, honest evidence, no care refusal ethic. [4] [10]
Fail: dismissive “just naughty”; miracle cure sales; no school plan; refuses indicated care for sensory reasons. [10]