As you and your child transition between service systems, you may find that the resources you need from this roadmap will change over time. The transition from adolescence to independent young adulthood can be an especially challenging time for those with special health care needs. A great deal of planning and forethought is needed to help young adults move from pediatric to adult health care providers, from education to employment and from their family home to independent living when possible.

Many agencies provide a variety of services, each of which may be needed at different stages of life; therefore, you may need to contact them more than once over the years. Make sure you plan ahead for transitions before they actually occur; giving yourself time to plan will make the transition process go much more smoothly. Planning and coordination are vital to achieving successful transition. Services and supports are available to help you move through the different stages.