Abstract
BACKGROUND: The needs of a child with an acquired brain injury (ABI) are not a scaled down version of those required by an adult with a brain injury who has impairments that impact their cognitive and physical or functional abilities, capacity for work, and/or independence in performing activities of daily living.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to provide a standardized methodology for analysis of pediatric ABI cases when evaluating vocational potential as part of the child’s future rehabilitation or life care planning. PEEDS-RAPEL ©, a case conceptualization model for rehabilitation professionals, is defined in the context of a tool or methodology for the evaluation of pediatric clients with ABI. Issues related to the analysis of a child’s needs and impact of a pediatric brain injury for the development of a rehabilitation or life care plan and future earning capacity opinion are reviewed.
CONCLUSION: A case example is provided which illustrates each element of PEEDS-RAPEL © in providing a pediatric future care and earning capacity opinion.