Integrated Healthcare for Children with Developmental Disabilities from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is designed for healthcare professionals who may provide care for children with developmental disabilities, or other groups interested in the healthcare needs of these children. The course will be of particular benefit to: • Clinicians (e.g. nurses, doctors, allied professionals), community health workers, healthcare managers and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) staff who provide treatment and care for children with developmental disabilities • Other clinicians, professionals, researchers and students with an interest in healthcare services for children with developmental disabilities • Teachers and other educators who want to learn about the health of children with developmental disabilities and their right to education, inclusion and social protection • Trainers in academic institutions who are aiming to develop a practical course for healthcare providers in their setting • Parents and relatives of a child with a developmental disability, who may be looking to learn more about a child’s healthcare needs • Adults with a developmental disability, who may want to understand more about their own health and healthcare services The course focuses on issues relevant to both high income and low- and middle-income countries and information can be adapted to your personal setting. Course materials will draw on examples from a variety of contexts, including Brazil, UK, India, and Zambia. We look forward to welcoming learners from across the globe. Our aim is to develop a multidisciplinary network of learners, with a diverse range of experience, from which we all can learn. You can use the hashtag #FLHealthChildDisability to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Developmental disabilities and their effect on child development and functioning
The importance of early diagnosis and intervention
How to improve health and healthcare access for children with developmental disabilities
How to achieve equal partnership and effective communication in healthcare settings
The importance of family-centred care
The broader needs of children with developmental disabilities, including social inclusion and education
How to establish intersectoral collaboration with other key service providers

Reviews summary

Integrated global care for children

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of integrated healthcare for children with developmental disabilities. Learners particularly appreciate the inclusion of diverse global examples, which enhances the practical applicability for professionals across various contexts. The course is noted for its multidisciplinary approach, making it highly valuable for healthcare providers, educators, social workers, and even parents. While the lectures are consistently clear and informative, some experienced professionals might find certain sections to be a general introduction rather than in-depth specialization. Overall, it's considered an excellent foundation for understanding the broad needs, from early diagnosis to social inclusion.

Offers a strong foundation, potentially introductory for seasoned experts.

"While the course covers a lot of ground, I sometimes wished for a bit more depth on specific clinical interventions..."

"The course provided a decent introduction to the topics, but as someone already working in the field for years, some parts felt a bit basic."

"It's probably better suited for those new to this specific area or for parents seeking understanding."

Lectures are clear and informative, though forum activity varies.

"The lecturers presented complex information clearly."

"Good course for foundational knowledge... Some of the discussions in the forums were a bit quiet, but the core material was excellent."

"I think more interactive elements could enhance the learning experience, but the lectures were high quality."

Valuable for professionals across healthcare, education, and social work fields.

"The multidisciplinary approach is exactly what's needed in this field."

"This course is a must for anyone working in public health or education related to this population."

"I am a social worker, and this course gave me invaluable insights into the medical aspects that impact my clients. The interdisciplinary focus is its strength."

Features highly relevant examples from diverse global contexts.

"...I found the examples from diverse global contexts (Brazil, India, UK, Zambia) highly relevant and applicable to my work."

"Fantastic resource! The global examples were a huge plus, showcasing how these issues manifest differently across countries..."

"I learned a lot from the inclusion of case studies from low- and middle-income countries."

Provides a broad and well-structured overview of integrated healthcare.

"This course was incredibly insightful and well-structured. The focus on intersectoral collaboration and family-centred care was particularly valuable."

"Outstanding course! The modules on early diagnosis and intervention provided a strong foundation..."

"Highly relevant and expertly delivered. The content on social inclusion and education... truly opened my eyes to the broader needs..."

Career center

Learners who complete Integrated Healthcare for Children with Developmental Disabilities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: