Nurturing care for children with developmental delays and disabilities: thematic brief

Overview

Despite gains in childhood survival, more effort is needed to improve the well-being of children with developmental delays and disabilities. All children, including children with developmental delays and disabilities, need nurturing care. Nurturing care can contribute to preventing developmental delays and protect children who are exposed to risk factors, as well as improve functioning and long-term outcomes for children with developmental disabilities. This Brief outlines why and how nurturing care is relevant for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Recognizing that these children have diverse needs requiring different levels of coordinated and family-centred support, it recommends a set of actions to strengthen policies, services, communities and caregiver capabilities so that these children receive nurturing care.