What is Transition?

You may have heard about Transition. Transition is where your care and support changes from children's services to adult services, usually between the ages of 16 and 18.

If you are a young person with a learning disability and/or autism, this page can help you and your parent or carer understand what transition means for your healthcare.

Transition can look a little different for everyone, depending on the healthcare teams involved. It might mean:

• Your hospital appointment happen in a different hospital
• Your care moves from a children's hospital to an adult hospital 
• You meet new doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff

It is completely normal to feel worried about this change.

Transition can also be a positive time. It often means having more independence, more choice, and more responsibility. You will be supported to prepare for the move and to settle into adult services.

One important change during transition is how decisions about your care are made. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) supports adults to make their own decisions wherever possible. This means that once you are an adult, someone else cannot make decisions for you unless you are assessed as lacking capacity. This means you cannot make a specific decision for yourself at that time.

If this happens, a best interests discussion will take place to make sure the right decision is made for you. Your parents, family, or carers will be involved, as they know you best and their views are important.

More information is available in the Mental Capacity Act - Social Care and Support Guide

Planning ahead is really important. Young people with learning disabilities and/or autism, along with their parents and carers, should start thinking about transition early. Your healthcare team will be there to help support you through this process.