The goal of this issue is to provide readers with a basic understanding of common chronic illnesses that begin in childhood (even at the time of conception), an understanding of the role of the family and mental health issues and how they may affect treatment adherence, and challenges faced when transitioning to adulthood. A special article is dedicated to the pediatric medical home. Several articles address the psychiatric challenges of very premature infants, behavioral and psychiatric concerns for genetically neurodevelopmentally challenged children, and the developmental perspective of children and families with cystic fibrosis. Other articles are devoted to potentially lifelong chronic illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and epilepsy. The issue ends with articles devoted to potential life-threatening illnesses, including HIV and oncologic illnesses, and finishes with an article on palliative care