Preparing Teens for Adulthood

Involve your teen in planning and get started early

For a teen living with a brain injury, the path to adulthood may be unique and include additional challenges and steps. However, with the right planning and support, families can help prepare their teens to achieve greater independence and become productive members of their communities.

Federal law requires that schools create a plan that helps teens aged 14 and older living with disabilities prepare for life after high school. For some, this may mean planning to attend college, while for others the plan may focus on helping them enter the workforce or find volunteer and community activities.

A plan for life after high school should:

1. Be based on your teen’s interests, personality, and abilities.

2. Include input from your teen on formal support services such as IEP and 504 plans, as well as updated accommodations and goals.

3. Explore future options for educational programs, including universities, community colleges, and trade schools.

4. Provide opportunities for the use of state vocational rehabilitation services, internships, and job coaching.

5. Include life skills training on money management, meal planning and cooking, transportation needs, household tasks, and time management and self-care.

6. Outline social and mental health support, including counseling or therapy, peer support groups, and social skill-building programs.

Set up a plan to help your teen begin to manage their care needs.

Studies suggest that the use of medical and healthcare services for brain injury drops as teens age into adulthood. This can affect their progress and lead to worse health outcomes.

A plan for managing healthcare should:

• Focus on building their confidence in managing their care, which includes medication management, scheduling appointments, and follow-up care.
• Plan for independence. This might involve creating a healthcare binder that includes their previous medical history, or making your teen aware that you may not be able to access medical records or receive communications from medical professionals once they turn 18.
• Consider legal and financial issues, including healthcare coverage, guardianship or supported decision-making, power of attorney (medical and financial), special needs trusts, and ABLE (Achieving Better Life Experience) accounts

Compassionate answers. Real support. Every step of the way.

Contact the National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 to speak to a specialist about:

• Help with care needs
• Legal and financial resources
• Services in your community