Transition to Adult Health Care
Young adults tell us...

"I was used to having my mom along for my appointments. I had to ask more questions, and have my doctor explain anything I didn't understand." "I was happy I had a family doctor when I turned 18. I had to change a lot of specialists, so having one office that already knew me and my history was helpful." "I didn't realize how much I didn't know until I tried to get my insurance to pay for Occupational Therapy."
Being in charge of your own health care can be empowering, it can also be overwhelming if you don't plan ahead, practice, and, stay organized. Here are some helpful resources, make sure to check out our insurance tips too!
Parents tell us...

"I have been so involved in her health care that it was a shock when she turned 18 and I wasn't included." "We had been teaching him to set up appointments, carry his insurance card, and to write down questions ahead of time. We were really proud of him the first time he went to the doctor on his own." "I knew she needed an adult doctor when she told me she had a 'serious boyfriend'."
Young adults have different needs. Find resources to help the transition to adulthood.
General transition information
Being a Healthy Adult: How to Advocate for Your Health and Healthcare Guidebook from Rutgers University
Personal and Family Medical History form from The ARC of New Jersey
Teen's rights to access, confidentiality, and HIPPA
National Gateway to Self-Determination
Maternal Child Health information on care for adolescents and young adults
Guardianship and Supported Decision Making
You may need additional support in decision making as an adult. Guardianship and Supported Decision Making (SDM) are two choices people use. A team based approach, SDM allows for individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives with support from a team of people. Guardianship makes it legal for another person to make your decisions. Limited Guardianships lay out areas that guardians can make decisions in. For example: finances, or health care. Exploring both options is a good idea.
Support for understanding and implementing supportive decision making can be found from The ARC
Exploring - Supported Decision Making Teams: Setting the Wheels in Motion Toolkit
Think about your life: Tools for thinking about your life
Oregon individual service plans: Examples of individual service plans