The Move From Childhood to Adulthood

A child with epilepsy grows up and one day moves to adult care. This transition period is often overlooked; yet when it isn't planned well, treatment that has gone well for many years can be interrupted at this stage. This chapter helps you manage the transition smoothly.

Why Is the Transition Hard?

Your child's neurologist may have known your child for years and formed a strong bond with them and with you. The world of adult neurology works differently: the patient now makes their own decisions, manages their own appointments, and is responsible for their own treatment. This sudden change can be challenging for both the young person and the family, and if you're caught unprepared, treatment can slip.

For a Successful Transition

• Start early. The transition is a process, not a single day. During the teenage years, gradually involve your young person in their own care: having them keep track of their own medications, speaking for themselves at appointments.
• Help the young person understand their own condition. As an adult, they should know their diagnosis, medications, doses, and triggers; they should be able to say the "key facts" from memory.
• Prepare a medical summary. A summary that includes the diagnosis, past treatments, medications that were used and that didn't work, and test results makes the handover to a new doctor easier.
• Support independent living skills. Practice practical skills such as renewing prescriptions, obtaining medications, and making appointments together with the young person.

The transition is not a loss but a step toward growing up

Leaving your child's neurologist can be emotional; but this is a mature step the young person takes toward owning their own health.

A well-planned transition ensures your young person continues to receive uninterrupted, quality care into adulthood. Don't hesitate to ask for a handover meeting between the pediatric and adult teams.