Supporting children with disabilities and their families as early as possible can greatly improve their quality of life. Some children with disabilities require access to specialized services. This includes support for nutrition and feeding as children with disabilities are three times as likely to be malnourished as other children, and twice as likely to die from malnutrition.
Programs can reduce the risk of malnutrition among children with disabilities by, for example, equipping service providers and caregivers with the information and skills required to care for children with disabilities. Programs can also help children and families build resilience against the social and environmental barriers that prevent their full participation in society by providing community based interventions and helping caregivers build stronger bonds within their families and communities.
Caregivers of children with feeding difficulties or disabilities may face particular mental health challenges, therefore this section includes some key resources that, while not specific for caregivers of children with feeding difficulties or disabilities, can be particularly useful for supporting their mental health and well-being.
Use the resources in this section to better understand the needs of children with disabilities and their families and improve the support provided to them.
We found 34 resource(s)
Essential Actions on Disability-Inclusive Nutrition
Toolkit published by UNICEF in
This checklist provides a package of essential actions required to ensure disability-inclusive nutrition humanitarian action.
Situation Analysis of Early Childhood Intervention in Montenegro: Summary Report
Technical Report published by UNICEF in
This report provides an overview of the situation analysis of early childhood intervention in Montenegro.
Counseling and Support
Resource Library published by Smile Train in
This set of resources provides information on the support available to people with cleft lip and/or palate and their caregivers.
Stimulation Therapy for Malnourished Children under 5 Years Old
Brief published by Humanity & Inclusion in
This brief provides an overview of stimulation therapy for malnourished children under 5 years old.
How to Help Mothers with Mental Distress
Information, Education and Communication Materials published by Bettercare in
This chapter of the Bettercare Learning Programmes gives health workers the information they need to understand and support mothers experiencing mental distress during pregnancy and childbirth.
Inclusion of Children and Young People with Disabilities in Routine General Health Care: Practice Guide
Guideline/Guidance published by UNICEF in
This guide provides a series of indicative actions for disability inclusion at each stage of the program cycle.
Caregiver Skills Training Programme for Families of Children with Developmental Disorders or Delays
Training Material published by WHO in
This training program teaches caregivers how to use play and home activities with their children with disabilities.
Every Day is Mind Day: Mental Health Toolkit for Caregivers
Toolkit published by UNICEF and the Thailand Ministry of Public Health Department of Mental Health in
This set of downloadable toolkits covers the importance of mental health, strategies for protecting it, and how to spot early warning signs of mental health problems.
