Health Care Transition

Abstract

Health care transition is defined as the planned movement from a pediatric health care system to an adult-serving health care system during the years of adolescence and young adulthood. Health care transition for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be a long and complex process. It is currently frequently unsuccessful due to barriers in both the pediatric and the adult health care systems, resulting in lack of access to appropriate care, worsening of health conditions and function and potentially preventable hospitalizations for the young adult with IDD. Both pediatric and adult health care systems should promote self-determination with respect to health and health care and independence in youth and young adults with IDD. Moreover, health providers should be aware of and refer individuals to social services that can support vocational, independent and other skills needed for transition to adulthood. This requires that health care providers for children and adults become familiar with special services and supports in the school, community and through the state agencies (Medicaid Waiver program) to support transition for youth and young adults with IDD.