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Planning for Your Special Needs Child's Transition to Adulthood

One of the most challenging milestones for families with special needs children is the transition from school to adulthood. When your child turns 21 or 22 (depending on your local school district), they age out of the educational system and the structured support it provides.

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This transition represents a significant shift in available services, legal status, and daily life. Without proper planning, families often find themselves unprepared for this new reality.

The Challenges of Transition

As your child approaches adulthood, several critical changes occur:

  • End of educational entitlements: The guaranteed services provided under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) end

  • Shift to eligibility-based adult services: Your child must qualify for and sometimes wait for adult support programs

  • Legal changes at age 18: Your child legally becomes an adult, affecting your ability to make decisions on their behalf

  • Changes in healthcare coverage: Pediatric services transition to adult healthcare systems

  • Employment and day program considerations: New decisions about vocational training, supported employment, or day programs

  • Housing questions: Determining appropriate living arrangements and support levels

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Our Comprehensive Transition Planning Approach

At Perseverance Planning, we help families navigate this complex transition with a proactive, multi-faceted planning process:

1

Legal Preparation

We guide families through essential legal considerations, including:

  • Guardianship evaluation: Determining if full guardianship, limited guardianship, or supported decision-making is appropriate

  • Guardianship alternatives: Exploring options like power of attorney, healthcare proxy, or supported decision-making agreements

  • Legal documentation: Creating necessary legal documents to support your adult child's needs

  • Benefit application assistance: Ensuring timely applications for adult benefits

2

Financial Planning

We develop financial strategies specifically for the transition period and beyond:

  • Government benefit maximization: Ensuring eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare Special Needs

  • Trust review/creation: Establishing or updating trusts to align with adul needs

  • ABLE account establishment: Setting up tax-advantaged savings accounts for qualified expenses

  • Employment income planning: Strategies to balance work income with benefit eligibility

  • Long-term financial projections: Planning for sustainability throughout adulthood

3

Educational and Vocational Planning

We help identify and prepare for appropriate post-school options:

  • Transitional program evaluation: Assessing programs that bridge school and adultnservices

  • Vocational assessment: Identifying strengths, interests, and support needs

  • Employment options: Exploring competitive employment, supported employment, and sheltered workshops

  • Day program research: Identifying appropriate day habilitation or community programs

  • Continuing education opportunities: Exploring college programs for students with intellectual disabilities

4

Healthcare Transition

We assist with the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare systems:

  • Adult healthcare provider identification: Finding specialists who work with adults with disabilities

  • Medical decision-making framework: Establishing appropriate decision-making supports

  • Healthcare coverage planning: Ensuring continuous and comprehensive coverage

  • Medication management strategies: Creating systems for increased independence or appropriate support

5

Housing and Support Services

We help families explore and plan for appropriate living arrangements:

  • Living options assessment: Evaluating group homes, supported apartments, family home modifications, or independent living

  • Waitlist strategies: Navigating often lengthy waitlists for residential services

  • Support service coordination: Planning for personal care, transportation, and community access

  • Home modification guidance: Adapting the family home for adult needs if appropriate

When to Start Transition Planning

Ideally, transition planning should begin 3-5 years before your child ages out of the school system. This timeline allows for:

  • Thorough evaluation of options and waitlist registration

  • Gradual skill building for increased independence

  • Time to establish legal frameworks before age 18

  • Financial preparation and benefit application

  • Emotional adjustment for the entire family

However, it's never too late to start. If your child is approaching transition or has already transitioned, we can help you implement strategies to improve their current situation.

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​The Perseverance Planning Difference

Our approach to transition planning is comprehensive, addressing all aspects of your child's future:

  • Legal protections

  • Financial security

  • Meaningful daily activities

  • Appropriate housing

  • Healthcare continuity

  • Community inclusion

  • Quality of life

By bringing together legal expertise, financial knowledge, and deep understanding of disability services, we provide truly integrated planning that helps your child thrive in adulthood.

Begin Planning for Their Adulthood Today

Don't wait until your child is about to age out of the school system. Contact Perseverance Planning today to start building a thoughtful, comprehensive plan for this important life transition.

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