Navigating Transitions with Your Child
On this Page
Topic Menu
Children and youth with special health care needs face many changes throughout
their lives, such as moves between hospitals, home, schools, work or college, and
from child health care to adult health care (see graphic below). Each transition is
a chance for your child and family to gain skills that will help you and your child
succeed and manage future changes. Subtopics included are:
Transition is a process
"...Transition is a process, not an event. The actual process
should be gradual, occurring in harmony with adolescent and family
development. While there is not one current model, whenever it occurs,
communication among pediatric and adult providers, parents and youth is
critical." (National Dissemination Center for Children with
Disabilities)
This section has two parts:
- School Transitions
- Transition to Adulthood
You can find vital information from many starting points, such as the
child's age or specific needs. No matter their specific challenges, children, youth,
and adults with special health care needs will benefit from a team effort toward
making transitions as smooth as possible.
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
Health Care Transition Resources for Youth & Young Adults (Got Transition)
A 6-step approach to help individuals gain independent health care skills, prepare for an adult model of care, and transfer
to new providers; provided by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health.
Respecting the Young Adult Video (UISP)
An 8-minute video of a panel discussion of young adults with special healthcare needs offering their perspectives to healthcare
providers to improve sensitivity; Utah Integrated Services Medical Home Project.