Multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Approaches to Neurodevelopmental Disability Interventions: A Brief Overview

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental disabilities in children, affecting personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning, present a global challenge. Neurodevelopmental issues contribute significantly to learning disabilities, emphasizing the need for early intervention. The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a government program launched in 2013, is a multidisciplinary initiative addressing child health. This article compares three distinct approaches – multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary – in the context of early intervention. Multidisciplinarity utilizes knowledge from various disciplines, while interdisciplinarity synthesizes links between disciplines, and transdisciplinarity integrates sciences beyond traditional boundaries. Challenges in early intervention, particularly with RBSK, include limited awareness and accessibility, necessitating ongoing efforts and innovations. This study concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of embracing innovative solutions to create a more inclusive and equitable future for children with neurodevelopmental difficulties and their families.

Keywords

• interdisciplinary early interventions
• multidisciplinary early interventions
• neurodevelopmental disabilities
• rashtriya bal swasthya karyakram
• transdisciplinary early interventions