Success on the road to adulthood. Issues and hurdles for adolescents with disabilities

Abstract

Outcome data from children with connective tissue disease or other disabilities and how they function in adulthood continue to underscore the need for transition planning. This article addresses the components of transition and the barriers to its accomplishment along with the special issues adolescents with disabilities face in attaining the developmental tasks along the road to adulthood. Health care professionals can be catalyst in the transition process in their role as a consultant to young persons with disabilities and their families. It can be rewarding and challenging to be a catalyst for a successful transition process that results in a happy, meaningful life as an adult with a disability.