It's important to begin the process of transition planning as your child gets older and closer to adulthood.
The below resources will help ensure your child is well-prepared and has a seamless transition into their next step in life.
The resources listed below allow young adults with special healthcare needs to learn about their diagnosis and how to take care of themselves as they transition into adulthood.
Adolescent Health Transition Project Health (AHTP)
The Adolescent Health Transition Project (AHTP) is a resource for young adults with special healthcare needs, chronic illness, and physical or developmental disabilities. It provides websites, checklists, and tools specific to one’s needs.
Children’s Medical Services, Special services for children with special needs, Florida Health
Florida Children’s Medical Services has developed resources for children, starting at age 12 years, can begin to learn about their health diagnosis, how it affects their life, name of medicine they take and how to talk with medical providers.
Students who wish to continue their education after high school can reference these resources for an easier transition. Read about others’ experiences, how to plan for transition early on, learn about opportunities and services for transitioning individuals, and the rights and responsibilities that come along with post-secondary education.
Coming of Age: Autism and the Transition to Adulthood
This is a series examining the research and reality of the transition to adulthood, with advice from experts who have studied the process and young adults who have lived it.
Itineris
Itineris provides opportunities and services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the transition into adulthood.
Life after High School – Making the Transition to Post-secondary Opportunities
This booklet is helpful for caregivers of adolescents who are transitioning into adulthood, and includes charts and checklists in regard to education opportunities.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Post-secondary Education
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post-secondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education published this resource to inform students with disabilities of their rights and responsibilities so they may enjoy the post-secondary education experience without confusion or delay.
TransCen, Inc.
Associates at TransCen, Inc. develop, implement, and research innovative practices regarding school-to-adult life transition, career and workforce development, and inclusive community participation.
The resources below provide guides and videos on healthcare, financing, housing, and law, as well as tools to help make the transition to adulthood easier for youth in transition.
Autism Speaks
The Autism Speaks Transition Tool Kit was created to serve as a guide to assist families on the journey from adolescence to adulthood. Use this resource to download the Transition Tool Kit online or request a hard copy.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) provides transition resources for young individuals moving from school to work, pediatric to adult healthcare, and living at home to living independently. These resources are conveniently arranged by age group.
Life Journey Through Autism Series
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) has published eight Life Journey guidebooks and The Best of The OARacle to date. You can read their descriptions, preview each online, or download copies at no cost below.
Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health: Navigating the Transition Years
This publication provided by the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health covers matters and answers questions pertaining to education, healthcare, finances, housing, and law for youth in transition.
Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health: Navigating the Transition Years (Video)
This is a presentation of the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health’s publication regarding education, healthcare, finances, housing, and law for youth in transition.
Maryland State Department of Education: Division of Rehabilitation Services
The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs, services, and additional resources that help individuals with disabilities go to work and stay independent in their homes and communities.
Maryland Transitioning Youth
Maryland Transition provides resources and planning guides for youth that are transitioning into adulthood.
Social Security Administration
Social Security delivers a broad range of services online and through a nationwide network of more than 1,400 offices. This resource introduces and explains disability benefits and shows users how to apply for the assistance online.
Transition and Aging Out
The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs supports a number of resources and efforts to build the skills and resources of youth aged 16-24.
Transition of Adolescents with Disabilities to Adulthood
The Role of Healthcare Provider, Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute