Abstract Estimates indicate that large numbers of children (4-20%) experience developmental problems which affect their learning and/or behavior. Understanding and interpreting the behaviors such children present, is a challenging and difficult task. Our current unidisciplinary procedures for assessment and intervention frequently result in narrow or inaccurate explanations for the child's behavior. Comprehensive assessment procedures are needed which can uncover all of the complex factors (biological/physical, emotional, cognitive, and environmental) which contribute to the developmental problems of children. In this article the authors outline the philosophy and procedures for a comprehensive, transdisciplinary approach to interpreting the behaviors of children and intervening to resolve learning and behavior problems. This approach described is currently being used and researched at the Child Development Unit of Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.