Introduction

As a parent or family member of a child with special health care needs, you're probably caught up in day-to-day survival. You may wonder, "How can I think about tomorrow when I'm just trying to make it through today?" However, in those moments when you can catch your breath, it's helpful to be aware of your child's transitions and to think about the future.

Contents

• Giving your child an active role in his or her health care
• Teaching your child basic life and independent living skills
• Introducing work, responsibility, and earning money
• Recording major events in your child's life
• Family members as role models

Links to Tools and related Information :

• Health History Summary
• Adolescent Autonomy Checklists
• Adolescent Transition Resource Notebook
• Sample Portable Medical Summary/Introduction Sheet
• Health Care Skills Autonomy Checklist
• Health Care Transition Plans
• Booklet:What's Health got to do with Transition?
  • Page 5 - Care plans (See also - Healthy and Ready to Work resources)
  • Page 11 - Guardianship and power of attorney
  • Pages12-13 - Health-related transition skills
  • Pages 14-15 - Find and use adult health care providers
  • Pages 16-17 - How to communicate effectively with providers
• Information on Determining Reliable Health Information Sources