What are the similarities and differences of the multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary team approaches? Why is a transdisciplinary more advantageous over the other team approaches?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The similarities between all three team approaches is that they all rely on specialized professionals from multiple and varied backgrounds who work (in various capacities) to develop and provide service programs to children with special needs. Other similarities exist in that all team members conduct independent evaluations. Where they differ, however, is how evaluations are used and shared. In multi- and interdisciplinary team approaches, families meet with individual team members or a team representative. Only in the transdisciplinary team are families considered fully active and participating members. Additionally, only in the transdisciplinary approach do team members relinquish control and appoint one primary service provider to meet and work with families and their child. The advantage of the transdisciplinary approach over the other approaches in the integration of the whole child and the whole family. That is, families are fully integrated into the service development. Transfer of information is also more prevalent and productive in the transdisciplinary approach, where cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication occur.