Transition outcomes for young adults with disabilities

Transition to adulthood can be very challenging for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) especially for those with disabilities who experience functional limitations in activities at home, in school, and in the community. The study examined the transition outcomes in areas of health, education, and independent living for young adult with special health care needs (YASHCN) with disabilities.

The study is a secondary data analysis of the 2007 Survey of Adult Transition and Health (SATH). Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed the association between having disabilities and the transition outcomes.

Overall, YASHCN with disabilities reported favorable health related transition outcomes with improved access to primary care, care coordination, and physician engagement in transition discussions and connection to mentors. Furthermore, YASCHN with disabilities had higher odds of receiving Medicaid or other insurance for low income or disabilities as an adult (AOR=5.26, 95% CI=3.74, 7.04). However, they were less likely to report having control over personal finances, making friends, and obtaining a high school diploma.

The findings suggest that YASHCN with disabilities may be among the small proportion of CSHCNs who had a positive transition to adult health care services. However, transition outcomes related to independent living still need more improvements.