Navigating Transitions with Your Child
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Under this For Parents & Families Topic
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. The sub-topics in this topic include:
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 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 young adults with special health care needs offering their perspectives to health care providers to improve
sensitivity; Utah Integrated Services - Medical Home Project.