As Seen In The Path Forward: The Transition Timeline A Roadmap for Families 

As seen in our publication “The Path Forward”

Transitioning to adulthood is a significant and often overwhelming process for families of individuals with special needs.

Planning ahead, especially when it comes to healthcare, education, legal rights, and independent living, can ease this journey and empower both parents and young adults. This Transition Timeline provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap starting as early as age 14 to help families stay informed, organized, and proactive. From initiating conversations with healthcare providers to navigating legal responsibilities and support services, this guide is designed to help you prepare for each milestone with confidence and clarity. 

Age 14 or Before 

• Initiate conversation about the healthcare transition plan with pediatric provider(s) and your child. 

• Work with pediatric provider(s) to create a Healthcare Transition Plan/Plan of Care to be kept in your child’s medical chart and updated annually. 

• The school conducts the first IEP-Transition Meeting. 

• Assess your child’s skills and work on enhancing self-advocacy, as applicable. 

Age 16 

• Continue to promote your child’s self-advocacy skills, as applicable. 

• IEP needs to include a “Transitioning Section,” which should consist of healthcare transition goals and be updated yearly. 

• Healthcare Transition Plan/ Plan of Care continues to be updated with the medical provider at least once a year. 

• Gather information regarding how to file for guardianship in your state. 

• Identify adult health care provider(s) 

• Investigate SSDI/SSI eligibility requirements for adults 

• Look into opening a trust fund for your child before age 18 

• Explore options for healthcare coverage 

• Explore alternative living arrangements and/or transportation, if applicable. 

Age 18 

• Legal documents for guardianship, power of attorney, and/or medical directives should be in place. 

• Reapply for Social Security benefits and other entitlements 

• Finalize healthcare coverage as an adult 

• The adult medical home should be identified and put in place, unless other arrangements have been made. 

• Acquire an identification card for your young adult through the local Motor Vehicle Department 

• Develop Portable Medical Summary Portfolio 

 

Age 21 

• Transition to adult healthcare provider(s) should be complete unless special provisions are made. 

• Prepare and make plans for when the last year of entitlement to Special Education Services through public schools comes to an end.