What Does a Multidisciplinary Team Do in Special Education?

Navigating the world of special education can feel overwhelming—especially when new terms and special education acronyms keep popping up. Today, let’s clear up one of those confusing terms that might come up in your child’s special education journey: the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

You might have heard it mentioned alongside the IEP team and wondered what the difference is. So let’s break down what a multidisciplinary team is, who’s involved, how it’s different from an IEP team, and (most importantly) what rights you, as a parent, have in this process.

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What is a Multidisciplinary Team in Special Education?

In the simplest terms, a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a group of professionals who come together to assess, evaluate, and make eligibility determinations for students who may require special education services. Unlike the IEP team, which is focused on creating and implementing a plan specifically tailored to meet a child’s needs, the MDT is the team that determines whether your child qualifies for those services in the first place.

The MDT’s role is to bring various experts to the table to look at the whole child, each from their own professional perspective. This holistic approach is essential because no one professional can accurately assess all of a child’s needs—whether academic, behavioral, social, or physical.

Who is on a Multidisciplinary Team?

The composition of the MDT can vary, but here’s a typical breakdown of who might be on it:

1. General Education Teacher – Provides insight into how the child is performing in the regular classroom environment.
2. Special Education Teacher – Brings expertise in specialized instruction and identifies specific needs related to disabilities.
3. School Psychologist – Conducts assessments, observations, and often handles cognitive and behavioral testing.
4. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) – Assesses communication skills, language, and sometimes social-pragmatic skills.
5. Occupational or Physical Therapist (if relevant) – Evaluates fine and gross motor skills if needed for academic performance.
6. Parent(s) – Yes, you are a part of this team! Your insights and concerns are invaluable to the process.
7. School Administrator – Oversees the process, ensures legal compliance, and can assist with resources if your child qualifies for services.
8. Other Specialists (as needed) – This could include behavior specialists, social workers, or any other professional relevant to the child’s needs.

Do All States Use a MDT?

Yes, all states use a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model in some form, as it is a requirement under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA mandates that a team of qualified professionals, along with the parent(s), evaluates the child and makes determinations regarding eligibility for special education services. However, states may vary in specific procedures, titles of team members, or the exact evaluation processes used.

The MDT model is essential because it ensures that no single professional’s perspective determines eligibility. Instead, the child is evaluated from multiple angles, which helps build a well-rounded understanding of the child’s needs. So while the MDT model is universal, the exact implementation and team composition might look a bit different depending on local regulations and resources.

How is the MDT Different from an IEP Team?

The MDT and the IEP team may have overlapping members, but they serve different purposes. The MDT’s primary role is to evaluate and determine eligibility. They gather data from testing, observations, teacher feedback, and parent input to decide whether the child qualifies under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). In other words, they’re there to determine if there’s a disability and, if so, to identify what areas are affected and require support.

Once eligibility is determined and your child qualifies for special education, that’s where the IEP team takes over. The IEP team uses the evaluation results from the MDT to create a customized education plan with specific goals, accommodations, and services tailored to your child’s unique needs. So, think of the MDT as the evaluators and gatekeepers to services, and the IEP team as the planners and implementers of those services.

What Are Your Rights as a Parent with the MDT?

Your role and rights in the MDT process are crucial, and being an informed parent is one of the best ways to advocate for your child effectively. Here are some of the key rights you have:

1. Participation – You have the right to participate in MDT meetings and discuss evaluation findings, share insights about your child, and ask questions.
2. Consent for Evaluations – Schools must have your written consent before conducting initial evaluations. Don’t hesitate to ask for details on what each evaluation will involve.
3. Requesting Additional Evaluations – If you believe the initial evaluations don’t fully capture your child’s needs, you can request additional assessments. Schools might not always agree, but you do have the right to request them.
4. Reviewing the Report – You have the right to review the evaluation report(s) generated by the MDT and ask for explanations or clarifications.
5. Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) – If you disagree with the MDT’s findings, you have the right to request an independent educational evaluation at the school’s expense. This can be a valuable option if you feel the school’s evaluation does not fully address your child’s needs.

How Can This Information Help You Advocate?

Knowing the role of the MDT can empower you to advocate for your child effectively, both during the evaluation and afterward. Here are a few tips to help you use this knowledge in your advocacy journey:

1. Document Your Concerns Early: Before the evaluation even starts, document specific concerns and observations. Are there behaviors at home that you want the team to know about? Is there a specific skill or task your child is struggling with that isn’t as apparent in the classroom? Bring all of this information to the table to ensure the team has the full picture.
2. Understand Each Evaluation’s Purpose: Evaluations can be intimidating, especially when you don’t understand what they’re measuring. Ask for clarification on what each assessment will examine and how it contributes to the overall picture of your child’s needs. Knowing this will also help you later if you need to dispute any findings.
3. Communicate with Data: If you feel the evaluations don’t fully capture your child’s needs, remember that you can provide additional documentation. This might include reports from private therapists, observations, and even data from home—anything that helps demonstrate where your child needs more support. Schools often value objective data, so having your own data can reinforce your position.
4. Request an IEE if Needed: As mentioned, if you disagree with the MDT’s findings, request an IEE. Many parents don’t realize this option exists, but it can be pivotal in getting a more comprehensive or alternative perspective on your child’s needs.
5. Use Evaluation Data to Inform IEP Goals: Once eligibility is established, the data from the MDT should directly influence your child’s IEP goals. If there’s a gap between the evaluation results and the IEP goals the team is suggesting, ask for a clearer link between them.

The Multidisciplinary Team is there to help paint the most accurate picture of your child’s needs. While their role is different from that of the IEP team, the information and evaluations they provide are the foundation for all future support and services. Remember that as a parent, you are an equal partner in the process, and your insights, questions, and data are critical to helping the team understand your child’s full range of needs.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. The evaluation process is a critical part of your child’s educational journey, and having a clear understanding of it can make all the difference. And if you need more guidance, resources, or even just a place to talk it through, consider exploring some of the tools and support communities out there—starting with the ones right here at A Day in Our Shoes.

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Need more? Check out our resources on making the most of your child’s IEP and evaluation results and get tips on everything from goal-setting to documentation.