Introduction

As a parent or family member of a child with special health care needs, you may wonder, "What about tomorrow?" It is helpful to be aware of the transitions that lie ahead for your child and to prepare for the future.  In this section you will find information about the many transitions in the life of a child with special health care needs and how to assist in those transitions.

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
• Tips for choosing and talking with your health care provider
• 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
• Information about Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care