What does Transdisciplinary mean?

Transdisciplinary is used to describe a process where a team shares skills, works together seamlessly and in a fluid way to meet combined outcomes.

This is important when you or your child receive support from a number of specialists. An example might be when you meet with a psychologist. Using the transdisciplinary approach - you might find they also ask how your physio exercises are going and perhaps pass on an activity your speech therapist suggested. In this way the goals and therapies are aligned seamlessly.

Ability Options work in the Transdisciplinary model

This diagram illustrates how we apply this approach when working with you. The model involves a key worker - the main person who supports the individual or family to achieve their goals. Family and friends are valued members of the team.

Multidisciplinary Model

Multidisciplinary means that there are many ‘specialists’ working on a case, and while there may be a broader goal everyone is aware of, each specialist may conduct their own assesments and develop discipline-specific plans. The various specialists may set shared goals and meet from time to time in case conferences.

An example of this is your Occupational Therapist comes to your house and recommends a bed lift and shower rail, and then you see your physiotherapist to work on strengthening exercises. Neither may know about the other’s recommendations, but both know you need physical supports around movement in daily activities in the home. It is important in this case to make sure everyone is working together well towards the same goals to make this system work well for you.