Children and Adolescents with Mobility Limitations

Abstract

A group of children with special health care needs, those with mobility limitations, is the focus of this chapter. We discuss the impact of mobility limitation in childhood and adolescence among those who were either born with a mobility limiting condition or those who acquired a mobility limitation at a very young age. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of common important concerns and issues in the lives of children growing up with a mobility limitation. Included are related medical issues; potential treatment approaches; developmental transitioning; quality of life, pain, and depression; and finally abuse and the importance of advocacy as it relates to mobility limitation and participation in childhood and adolescence. Throughout the chapter, the normalization of the developmental experience of the child with a mobility limitation is considered and explored.