Adolescent Health Transitions: Focus Group Study of Teens and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs

Assuming responsibility for one's self, including one's own health care, is part of the maturation process. However, adolescents with special health needs may be uncomfortable as adult health care consumers; families and health care providers also may have trouble letting go. A study was conducted to learn from teens and young adults with special health needs about the transition from pediatric to adult health care consumers. Three themes emerged: barriers to successful transition, what might help transition, and strategies for successful transition. One overriding principle, that health care providers must feel comfortable with disabilities, influenced all three themes. Barriers and helpful strategies are discussed.