Pediatric rehabilitation psychology: Rehabilitating a moving target

The specialty of rehabilitation psychology is organized around the goal of optimizing well-being and meaningful participation for individuals with disabilities in daily living (Dunn, Ehde, & Wegener, 2016). While the focus of rehabilitation psychology is on participation and recognition of environmental and social factors that influence participation for individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation psychologists who work with children must consider a range of pediatric-specific issues. The current special section includes manuscripts focusing on four aspects of pediatric rehabilitation psychology that are unique to this practice area. The first domain addressed is natural developmental progression in the context of a disability (i.e., habilitation). The next domain addressed in this special section is pediatric rehabilitation; pediatric rehabilitation psychology addresses the reacquisition of previously attained skills and abilities within the context of the natural developmental milieu. This special section also highlights the inherently interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary nature of pediatric rehabilitation psychology given the complex environment in which children exist. Finally, the special section includes illustrations of the crucial role pediatric rehabilitation psychologists play in facilitating transitions through major milestones, particularly from pediatrics to adulthood when living with a disability.