Development of a screening tool for developmental disorders among children and teenagers in emergency settings

Contract

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According to the WHO, 20% of people affected by disasters and conflicts require psychosocial support. Worldwide, more than 70 million people are currently displaced as a result of violence and conflict – the highest number since World War II. Mental health issues usually persist much longer in crisis situations because of the ongoing stress and lack of support.

In humanitarian settings, the effects of disability on children, including those with developmental disorders are magnified (Zuurmond et al. 2016), and the infrastructure needed to support these children’s ability to function and participate is undermined by crisis.

Identifying children with developmental disorders at a IDP camps, temporary shelter, or treatment facility is a priority in monitoring the health of refugee and internally displaced populations. Identifying these children will have significant implications in preventing unnecessary suffering and comorbidity by providing them and their caregivers with appropriate services (Davidson et al. 2004). In the rebuilding phase of emergencies, early stimulation programmes, including those delivered in early childhood care and education centers, can be used to screen children, detect those with neurodevelopmental disorders, and refer them to the appropriate health and psychosocial services for them and their caregivers (Hurley et al. 2013). Monitoring young children’s development during routine points of contact, including getting a vaccination, social protection, nutrition/feeding, and early childhood development initiatives, can also provide a platform for identification and referral.

The Global Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP AoR) seeks the support of an online volunteer to carry out a desk study and make a summary of existing documents that intend to assist children, families and educators in identifying and supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders in humanitarian settings. The online volunteer is expected, alongside other professionals and colleagues, to participate in the development of a tool that will help family members and/or caregivers themselves identify children and teenagers affected by developmental disorders in the absence of support from specialists in their emergency setting. The online volunteer will link with other relevant professionals and key informants who will also add value and knowledge to the development of this much-needed tool.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences or in related fields with specialized knowledge in the field of mental health and/or developmental disorders. • 10 years of experience in mental health and research, or related fields, with specialized knowledge in the field of developmental disorders among children and teenagers. • Excellent writing, analysis and communication skills. • Strong analytical orientation and sound judgement, initiative and resourcefulness. • Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from different national and cultural backgrounds.