Paeds Cases · growth-development-and-behaviour
Developmental delay: global diagnostic approach — OSCE
OSCE counselling and management station for global developmental delay.
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MRCPCH ClinicalRACP DCE
Prompt
You have 8 minutes with a parent of a 2-year-old with delayed speech, late walking and poor fine-motor play. Counsel, outline assessment and agree a plan. No regression reported.
Station brief (candidate)
- Explain that findings suggest global developmental delay: multi-domain lag, not a final gene name.
- Screen for regression, seizures and safeguarding red flags.
- Outline hearing/vision checks and same-day early intervention.
- Explain modern genetic evaluation principles at a parent level and seek consent for next steps.
- Agree review timing and safety-net advice with teach-back.
- Avoid blame and false “wait and see” reassurance. [1] [2] [3]
References7ShowHide
- [1]Moeschler JB Comprehensive evaluation of the child with intellectual disability or global developmental delays. Pediatrics, 2014.PMID 25157020
- [2]Rodan LH Genetic Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay: Clinical Report. Pediatrics, 2025.PMID 40545261
- [3]Lipkin PH Promoting Optimal Development: Identifying Infants and Young Children With Developmental Disorders Through Developmental Surveillance and Screening. Pediatrics, 2020.PMID 31843861
- [4]Katz AL Informed Consent in Decision-Making in Pediatric Practice. Pediatrics, 2016.PMID 27456510
- [5]Boylen S Impact of professional interpreters on outcomes for hospitalized children from migrant and refugee families with limited English proficiency: a systematic review. JBI evidence synthesis, 2020.PMID 32813387
- [6]Forkey H Trauma-Informed Care. Pediatrics, 2021.PMID 34312292
- [7]Burvenich R Effectiveness of safety-netting approaches for acutely ill children: a network meta-analysis. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2025.PMID 39117428