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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)
Our Videos: Care of Small Babies
Video/Animation published by Global Health Media in
These short, practical videos enable learners at all levels to easily understand and remember critical teaching points about caring for small babies.
Choking Prevention for Families With Children With Special Needs
Video/Animation published by Safe Kids Worldwide in
This video educates caregivers of children with special needs on choking prevention.
Supporting Families for Nurturing Care: Resource Modules for Home Visitors
Training Material published by UNICEF and International Step by Step Association (ISSA) in
This training package contains four modules focused on disability awareness, inclusion, and identification.
Our Videos: Breastfeeding
Video/Animation published by Global Health Media in
These short, practical videos enable learners at all levels to easily understand and remember critical teaching points about proper breastfeeding practices.
Thinking Healthy: A Manual for Psychosocial Management of Perinatal Depression
Guideline/Guidance published by WHO in
This is a manual for psychological management of perinatal depression.
Baby Friendly Spaces: Holistic Approach for Pregnant, Lactating Women and their Very Young Children in Emergency
Guideline/Guidance published by Action Against Hunger in
Baby Friendly Spaces is a holistic psychosocial program that aims to provide comprehensive support to children and their caregivers in emergency situations.
CBM Prevention Toolkit on Birth Impairments
Toolkit published by CBM in
This toolkit aims to train health professionals and birth attendants in early identification of birth defects, appropriate examination of newborns, and early referral for treatment.
Assessment of Growth and Nutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Journal Article published by European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in
This manuscript provides an update on the assessment of growth and nutrition in children with cerebral palsy and similar neurodevelopmental disabilities.