Global services and support for children with developmental delays and disabilities: Bridging research and policy

Pamela Y Collins1, Beverly Pringle1, Charlee Alexander2

  • 1Office for Research on Disparities & Global Mental Health, US National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.

Plos Medicine
|September 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Ensuring children with developmental delays and disabilities receive inclusive health and education services requires global research and policy action. This study outlines essential approaches for worldwide implementation.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Disability Studies
  • Education Policy

Background:

  • Children with developmental delays and disabilities often face exclusion from essential health and education services.
  • Inclusive services are critical for the well-being and development of all children.
  • Existing global frameworks may not adequately address the specific needs of this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline research and policy approaches for the global inclusion of children with developmental delays and disabilities.
  • To advocate for integrated health and education service delivery.
  • To identify strategies for overcoming barriers to access and participation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research and policy documents.
  • Analysis of global health and education initiatives.
  • Synthesis of expert recommendations and best practices.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key research gaps in understanding the needs of children with developmental delays and disabilities.
  • Development of policy recommendations for strengthening inclusive health and education systems.
  • Highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and community engagement.

Conclusions:

  • Global collaboration is essential to implement effective research and policy for inclusive services.
  • Targeted interventions and policy reforms are needed to ensure equitable access for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
  • Continued research and monitoring are crucial to track progress and adapt strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Learning Disabilities01:25

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
652
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.3K
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
1.3K
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
835
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I

Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
1.5K
Three Developmental Domains01:29

Three Developmental Domains

Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
1.3K