Adult Corner: Those Teen and Young Adult Years!

It is never too early to plan for your child’s future. From the time your child is 14 years of age, each IEP meeting requires planning for transition to adult life. Each year your child’s interests, preferences, aptitude and achievements should be assessed. All public schools are evaluated on their ability to do these assessments. This is called Indicator 13 compliance.

Get your child to help you around the house and with community projects you are involved in. It is critical that your child help with chores around the house and gain volunteer work experience. We know these experiences are the best predictors of success in the world of work. Our Trisomy 21 team wants to help you make sure your child gets all the services she or he is entitled to before graduation to ensure a productive life after high school.

One way to learn what you need to know is to make an appointment at our Trisomy 21 Transition Clinic, which is held four times each year. You can also learn more from the fact sheets written by Jennifer Graham, who experienced transition first-hand with her son. We offer resources at our Trisomy 21 Program. Printed versions of brochures are available in our clinic. You can
also contact the Trisomy 21 Program social worker, Symme Trachtenberg, MSW, at trachtenberg@email.chop.edu or 215-590-7444 to set up a time to discuss transition.

On Saturday, March 22, 2014, we are hosting an educational series that will highlight two local college programs your child may be interested in. Look for the brochure or find more information here.