Abstract
Transition age youth (individuals between the ages of 16 and 25) face unique and complex developmental challenges associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this period, individuals develop new educational and occupational goals as they strive for adult employment and financial independence. This transition is also marked by socio-emotional growth as youth develop more stable, productive, and intimate relationships with peers and romantic partners and become increasingly independent from caregivers. For transition age youth with developmental or learning disabilities, the anticipated milestones of emerging adulthood are often more challenging to attain, meaning that additional and individualized supports are critical. This chapter reviews the needs, expectations, and unique challenges faced by transition age youth in areas of education, career development, and daily living as they tackle new cognitive, social, and emotional demands. This chapter highlights best practices for individualized assessment of transition age youth with disabilities, as well as available services and supports to help youth and their families navigate the path to early adulthood. Legal and systemic challenges are also addressed, including existing gaps between child to adult services and legal implications associated with reaching the age of majority.
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Doty, N., Nielsen, J. (2019). Managing the Needs of Transition Age Youth. In: Wilson, H., Braaten, E. (eds) The Massachusetts General Hospital Guide to Learning Disabilities. Current Clinical Psychiatry. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98643-2_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98643-2_14
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