Child and adolescent psychiatry: structured observation in autism: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Child and adolescent psychiatry: structured observation in autism

Sample item

In a child suspected of autism, a clinician uses a semi-structured, standardised play-based assessment with social tasks to observe communication and social behaviour. Which instrument is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a semi-structured observation used in diagnosis. M-CHAT is a parent-completed screen, Vineland measures adaptive behaviour, and Conners rating scales assess ADHD.

Option by option

  • A. Conners rating scale

    Conners scales are rating scales for ADHD.

  • B. Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers

    M-CHAT is a screening questionnaire for toddlers.

  • C. Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (correct)

    Correct. This observation schedule is used with the ADI-R in the diagnostic work-up.

  • D. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

    Vineland measures adaptive behaviour and is not autism-specific.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a semi-structured observation used in diagnosis.

Why is "Conners rating scale" not the answer?

Conners scales are rating scales for ADHD.

Why is "Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers" not the answer?

M-CHAT is a screening questionnaire for toddlers.

Why is "Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales" not the answer?

Vineland measures adaptive behaviour and is not autism-specific.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Child and adolescent psychiatry: structured observation in autism in Psychiatry. M-CHAT is a parent-completed screen, Vineland measures adaptive behaviour, and Conners rating scales assess ADHD.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Child and adolescent psychiatry: structured observation in autism?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.