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)
Supporting Inclusion of Children with Disabilities: Model of Community-Based Services
Guideline/Guidance published by Save the Children Georgia in
This model is based on the best practices applied in community-based centers during the "Community-Based Services for Children Disabilities" project.
Caring for Children with Disabilities: Mini Parenting Master Class
Video/Animation published by UNICEF in
This video provides advice to parents of children with disabilities on supporting their children's development, including through feeding, communication, and play.
Cleft Nutrition Program
Training Material published by Smile Train in
The goal of this course is to empower local professionals to be able to train mothers and caregivers on effective feeding for a child with cleft lip and/or palate.
Disability Resources
Resource Library published by Stichting Niketan in
This resource library compiles videos and booklets on the proper feeding of children with cerebral palsy.
Including Children with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action: Nutrition
Guideline/Guidance published by UNICEF in
This resource provides practical tips and offers entry points for assuring that nutrition in emergencies takes children with disabilities into account.
Working with Children with Developmental Disabilities and their Caregivers: A Training Programme for Non-Specialists in Low Resource Settings
Training Material published by Multi-Agency International Training Support (MAITS) in
This training equips staff with an overview of childhood disabilities; an understanding of how to use daily activities to promote health, development, and well-being; and the skills to use the MAITS Guide for Parents.
Therapeutic Early Stimulation Toolkit: Helping Young Children with Disabilities Meet Their Potential
Training Material published by Maternal Child Survival Project (MCSP) in
This toolkit provides training for service providers who will be implementing the Therapeutic Early Stimulation Package.
Caring for Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Guide for Parents
Toolkit published by Multi-Agency International Training Support (MAITS) in
This toolkit provides guidance for generic workers on how to support children with varying levels of cerebral palsy and/or intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions to promote their health, development, and well-being.
