- Transition to age-appropriate adult health care is a process, not a single event.
It involves the entire family. The actual process of transition should be gradual,
occurring in concert with adolescent and family development.
 The process of parents gradually
letting go of the care of their children is critical to the adolescent years. These teens,
who will soon be young adults, will take charge of their own lives--including their
health. Adolescents with disabilities face the developmental tasks that any adolescent
faces, but their struggles may be intensified because of the disability. Health care
providers should realize that the letting-go process is probably more difficult for the
teen with chronic illness or disability and their families. Patience and empathy are
necessary when dealing with these clients.
- As the teen approaches adulthood, his or her funding may change. Discuss the
adolescent's funding options with the family. This should begin before age 17, as many
adolescents lose their family's coverage at age 18. If a child needs ongoing care
throughout his or her lifetime, questions about long-range care options need to be
addressed right away. The possibility of not being able to care for their child is
extraordinarily stressful for families; it's best to begin work on long-range plans early.
- Sexuality is a subject often ignored by parents and professionals. Many people
are uncomfortable talking about sexuality, especially when a disability is involved.
However, with an adolescent patient, the subject cannot be overlooked.
- Provide resource lists, referral sources, and opportunities to learn about
alternatives.
- Provide families with an opportunity to use peer counseling and other families as
resources.
- Be sure adults become aware of new assistive technology that may be better than
methods used previously.
- Encourage families to develop a positive attitude about impairments and
functional limitations.
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