Enhancing your child’s independence and transitions in medical care
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Spina Bifida Program is multidisciplinary clinic that cares for patients from birth until 21 years of age. When our patients become adults, they will need to transition their care from pediatric to “adult” providers. Every step of the way, we partner with you and your child, healthcare providers, schools and others to prepare for a smooth transition.
This process starts well before they officially become an adult. Our team thinks about transitions throughout your family’s time with us. Preparing your child for their ultimate transition to adult care is top of mind for us all throughout their childhood and adolescence. Our goal is to help your child develop the knowledge and skills needed for maximum independence at every stage of their growth and development.
We start to formally prepare for transition to adult care when your child turns 14. Once a year, we will ask your child to complete the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). We will review their answers and use that information to help them develop transition goals.
When your child is between 14 and 18 years old, we will give you resources and information to prepare for your child turning 18. We will talk about transition during yearly appointments and plan for a transition date. During this time, the Spina Bifida team will work with you and your child’s primary care provider to identify the best plan of care for your child as an adult.
Thinking about transition, especially in early childhood, can be stressful. Please know that our team is dedicated to the safe and effective transition for all our patients. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Visit our resources library to access materials to support you at every stage.
CHOP’s Transition to Adulthood Services program has more helpful resources for families preparing their children for other transitions to adulthood.