Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Health Care Transition: Stakeholder Perspectives

Youth and young adults (YYA) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and YYA with IDD and co-occurring mental health (MH) conditions experience unique challenges during the period of health care transition compared to those with other long-term conditions. This investigation explored respondents' (N = 277) perceptions of the needs associated with the transition experience of these two groups. Community-based organization respondents were significantly more likely to indicate stigma/bias were barriers for YYA with IDD compared to advocates or providers. Advocates were more likely to indicate access to postsecondary training or education was needed for YYA with IDD and co-occurring MH conditions. Greater services or supports were needed for YYA with co-occurring MH conditions than those with IDD: employment-related, housing, transportation/mobility, financial/food security.