Global Disability: Empowering Children of all Abilities

Rebecca J Scharf; Angelina Maphula; Paige C Pullen; Rita Shrestha; Gaynell Paul Matherne; Reeba Roshan; Beena Koshy

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2017.03.002

Global Disability: Empowering Children of all Abilities

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2017 Aug;64(4):769-784. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2017.03.002.

Authors

Rebecca J Scharf¹, Angelina Maphula², Paige C Pullen³, Rita Shrestha⁴, Gaynell Paul Matherne⁵, Reeba Roshan⁶, Beena Koshy⁶

Affiliations

¹ Developmental Pediatrics, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Box 800828, Stacey Hall, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. Electronic address: rebeccascharf@virginia.edu.
² Department of Psychology, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
³ Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Box 400273, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
⁴ Department of Psychology, Tribhuwan University, TU Road, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal.
⁵ Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Box 800386, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0386, USA.
⁶ Developmental Paediatrics, Christian Medical College, Ida Scudder Road, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004, India.

PMID: 28734509
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2017.03.002

Abstract

Worldwide, children are often not meeting their developmental potential owing to malnutrition, infection, lack of stimulation, and toxic stress. Children with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, neglect, and abuse, and are less likely to have adequate access to education and medical care. Early childhood developmental stimulation can improve language, learning, and future participation in communities. Therapeutic supports and endeavors to reduce stigma for people of all abilities strengthen communities and allow for human thriving.

Keywords: Child development; Developmental stimulation; Disability; Neurodevelopmental disability.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Child
Child Development*
Child Health*
Child, Preschool
Developmental Disabilities*
Disabled Children*
Global Health
Humans