The Impact of Multiple Crises on Child Development and Children with Disabilities
By
Olaf Kraus de Camargo
Jeffrey Goldhagen
Raúl Mercer
September 28, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: The Impact of Multiple Crises on Child Development and Children with Disabilities
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Polycrisis affecting children, particularly those with disabilities Key Mechanisms Converging crises including armed conflict, climate change, migration, and economic inequalities Target Population Children living in conflict-affected areas, especially those with disabilities Care Setting Humanitarian and clinical settings addressing child health and rights
Key Highlights
Over 473 million children live in conflict-affected areas. Children with disabilities are among the most affected by humanitarian crises. Resilience is collective and relational, not solely an individual trait. Professional responsibilities include advocating for child rights and documenting developmental harms. Interventions should be tiered at individual, community, and societal levels. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess physical, mental, and behavioral health needs for children with disabilities. Management
Provide disability-inclusive clinical care that is culturally safe and trauma-informed. Maintain continuity of educational, rehabilitative, and assistive-technology support. Monitoring & Follow-up
Record developmental harms and advocate for rights-based protection. Risks
Children face increased vulnerability due to multiple interacting crises. Patient & Prescribing Data
Children affected by humanitarian crises, particularly those with disabilities.
Integrate cross-sectoral, child-focused services and educate professionals on child rights.
Clinical Best Practices
Inform families about their legal and human rights. Ensure accessible care tailored to refugees and migrants. Incorporate biopsychosocial and developmental frameworks in professional education. Related Resources & Content
