Preparing for Transitions

Transition Defined 

The dictionary defines a transition as the process of changing from one form, state, activity, or place to another. Children with special needs and their families experience many transitions over the years, large and small. Some predictable transitions occur:

• When children transition out of early intervention services at age three
• When they move from preschool programs into kindergarten
• When they approach adolescence
• When children move from adolescence into adulthood

Other Transitions

Other transitions children make include moving into new programs, working with new agencies and care providers, and making new friends. A move from hospital to home is another transition some children and families may experience as well as the transition from pediatric to adult medical care. Transitions involve changes such as adding new:

• Expectations
• Responsibilities
• Resources
• Letting go of others

Being Aware of Transitions

As a parent of a child with special health care needs, disabilities, and/or developmental delays, you may be caught up in day to day survival. You may wonder how you can think about tomorrow when you're just trying to make it through today. But when those moments come and you can catch your breath it may be helpful to be aware of those transitions and allow yourself to think about the future.

To see information related to specific transitions, please visit the pages to the left.