Teens and Transition

Growing up with Spina Bifida can be exciting and sometimes challenging. The Spina Bifida Center at Lurie Children’s is committed to helping teens grow into successful adults who are empowered to manage their own lives and healthcare needs. Transition is about more than just transitioning to an adult medical provider, it also includes:

• Increasing independence in activities of daily living
• Assuming tasks of self-care
• Building social relationships and support systems
• Pursuing education and employment
• Setting goals

Ideally, transition begins long before a young adult moves their care to an adult hospital or medical system. Small steps, beginning as young as 12-15 years of age, can help to establish transition readiness:

• Understanding, taking, and managing medications
• Explaining and tracking health concerns
• Utilizing MyChart to understand and access medical records
• Scheduling and attending medical appointments