Special Needs Resource Directory

"Transition" is generally defined as the passage from child-centered activities to adult-oriented activities. It occurs in several main aspects of life:

• From pediatric healthcare to adult healthcare
• From adolescence to adulthood
• From school to work
• From home to community

There are many challenges that make the transition process to adulthood difficult. Some examples include:

• Disabilities changing with age
• Loss of support systems
• Aging caregivers
• Loss of insurance coverage
• Guardianship status
• Mental health issues for patient or family members
• School-provided support services are difficult to replace (occupation, physical and speech therapies, as well as nursing, transportation and school psychology services)
• Adult physicians' limited knowledge or comfort level with pediatric conditions

Planning for the transition from adolescence to adulthood begins at age 14 years. Consideration should be given at that time to both career goals and life skills training, given the adolescents strengths, interests and challenges. This helps create a vision for adult life.

By age 16 years these elements should be included in the school Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and links to community resources / agencies should be facilitated.

Remember that public special education services are available until age 22 years; therefore, a decision about "deferred graduation" must be made at or prior to 18 years of age. Learn more about Education and Postsecondary Education Options.

Life skills is a term that is used to describe tasks that are needed for an adult to be able to take care of themselves. When evaluating what type of support an adolescent may need, it can be helpful to categorize each task by:

• Can do by self
• Need help from family / friends
• Need help from community resources

Examples of life skills, include:

• Get and keep a job
• Have money to support self
• Budget money and pay bills
• Balance and use a checkbook
• Plan, shop and cook meals
• Clean house
• Read and follow bus schedule
• Participate in social activities
• Fill prescriptions and take medicine
• Make and keep appointments
• Manage a home emergency
• Maintain appropriate personal hygiene

• Advocates for Youth provides information on adolescent reproductive and sexual health, and resources for professionals

• Download a copy of Sex Education for Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally Challenged Youth

• Transition of Youth and Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (TrYAD) is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to helping teens and young adults with mild to severe intellectual disabilities transition to adulthood. It is part of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's. 
• Adolescent Health Transition Project, funded by the Washington State Department of Health, Children with Special Health Care Needs Program, is designed to help smooth the transition from pediatric to adult health care for adolescents with special health care needs. This site is a resource for information, materials and links to national resources, as well as sites specifically designed for use by the teen with special health care needs. You can download their health care skills checklist.
• Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit serves as a guide to assist families on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
• Center for Independent Living Options (CILO) is the oldest center for independent living in Ohio serving individuals with disabilities in Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky. They can assist with affordable, accessible housing, emergency shelter, provide help for the homeless, teach independent living skills and link to personal assistance services.
• Center for Parent Information and Resources, part of the Department of Education, has comprehensive resources on special education, postsecondary options, disabilities, IDEA, Section 504, mental health, family supports and parent rights.
• Charting the Lifecourse Toolkit helps families and professionals support the achievement of self-determination, interdependence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community life for their family members with disabilities.
• Federal Partners in Transition, a workgroup with representatives of several federal agencies, including the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor, and the Social Security Administration, was formed in 2005 to support all youth, including youth with disabilities, in successfully transitioning from school to adulthood. They have several informative factsheets including:

  • What to Know About Work-Based Learning Experiences for Students and Youth with Disabilities  

  • What to Know About Youth Transition Services for Students and Youth with Disabilities

• Health History Summary for Teens can be downloaded to record important health and contact information. 
• Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), based at the University of Massachusetts and Children's Hospital of Boston, promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.   
• National Center on Secondary Education and Transition provides technical assistance and disseminates information focused on areas of national significance for youth with disabilities and their families. Includes publications to support parents in the role as mentor, advocate and guide to their student with a disability.
• Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council has information and brochures on planning for the future for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ohio's Employment First Initiative has comprehensive transition to adulthood resources.
• Parent Group Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati has information on transitioning to adult health care.
• PLAN of Southwest Ohio provides advocacy and resources for young adults transitioning from high school, people who newly acquire or develop disabling conditions, and individuals and families who need help in maximizing benefits and estate planning.
• "Since You're Not a Kid Anymore" booklet on health care transitions.
• Transition Planning for Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs: A Guide for Health Care Providers.