Facilitating the transition of adolescents with developmental disabilities: nursing practice issues and care

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of salient issues that adolescents with developmental disabilities face as they approach adulthood. For nurses who provide services to this population of youth, knowledge of these significant issues is essential to developing a youth-centered transition plan that addresses their comprehensive health needs. Health care professionals, including pediatric nurses, have important roles as service coordinators, consultants, or direct service providers to ensure that the health-related transition needs of the youth are met. Transition assessment, planning, and intervention strategies that can be integrated into a comprehensive plan of care are discussed.