The Interdisciplinary Case Conference
Presented by Michelle Vences
Interdisciplinary collaboration requires more than understanding the role of other professionals; it requires recognizing when another discipline’s expertise should guide assessment or intervention. This interactive case conference uses three mock clinical cases to explore collaboration among Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Physical Therapy (PT). Each case is intentionally designed to highlight a situation in which the presenting concern may initially appear appropriate for one discipline but warrants consultation with or referral to another professional before proceeding. Presenters will examine each case through their respective disciplinary lenses, identify relevant observations and scope-of-practice considerations, and discuss when referral, consultation, or collaborative assessment is indicated. Through guided discussion, participants will practice distinguishing overlapping areas of practice from discipline-specific expertise while considering how behavioral, sensory, motor, environmental, and functional variables may interact. The conference emphasizes that effective interdisciplinary practice does not require professionals to work outside their scope, but rather to recognize the limits of their own clinical lens, communicate meaningful observations, and seek additional expertise when appropriate. Participants will leave with practical strategies for identifying referral needs and supporting more coordinated, person-centered clinical decision-making.
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About this CEU
What happens when the best clinical decision is recognizing that "your discipline shouldn't be the first one treating the concern?" For our Collaboration Case Conference, we worked through **three different mock cases**, each intentionally designed so that one of us. ABA, OT, or PT is sometimes needed to recognize when another discipline should be consulted or referred to first. The goal wasn't to prove which discipline could do more. It was to practice something much more important: "recognizing the limits of our own lens." We discussed what each profession might notice, what questions we should be asking, where our scopes intersect, and when the most ethical and clinically appropriate decision is to say: Because collaboration isn't about becoming an expert in someone else's discipline. It's about knowing enough to recognize when their expertise is needed. Three cases. Three disciplines. Three different perspectives. And one shared goal: better care for the person in front of us.
What you'll learn
- 1Learning Objectives By the end of this Collaboration Case Conference, participants will be able to: Identify at least two clinical indicators within mock case scenarios that may warrant consultation with or referral to another discipline, including ABA, OT, or PT. Differentiate between discipline-specific responsibilities, overlapping areas of practice, and concerns that require interdisciplinary consultation or referral. Analyze behavioral, sensory, motor, environmental, and functional variables within clinical case scenarios to determine when additional interdisciplinary assessment or collaboration may be appropriate. Develop an interdisciplinary plan for a mock clinical case that incorporates appropriate professional roles, referral considerations, and person-centered outcomes.
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