Adolescent transition for neurodevelopmental disability — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A 15-year-old with intellectual disability and epilepsy still has only paediatric care. No adult providers are named. [1]

1. Define health-care transition versus simple transfer. (2) [1]
2. List the core elements of a structured transition pathway you would start now. (4) [1] [2]
3. List four components of the portable transfer package. (4) [1] [7]

Model answer

Transition is a planned longitudinal process of preparation and continuous care; transfer is the administrative move of care/records alone. [1]

Elements: policy/introduction; tracking; readiness assessment/teaching; joint planning; warm handoff transfer; adult integration/follow-up. [1] [2]

Package: problem list; medications/allergies; emergency seizure plan; communication passport; named adult primary and specialty contacts; goals/preferences. [1] [7]

SAQ 2 (10 marks)

Parents are anxious; the young person is non-speaking; a registrar suggests waiting until 18 then discharging with notes. [8] [17]

1. Why is birthday discharge unsafe here? (3) [1]
2. How should readiness tools be used in high-support disability? (3) [3]
3. How do you include youth voice and prepare parents? (4) [8] [17]

Model answer

Unsafe because no adult home, emergency plan or continuous surveillance may exist after discharge — high medical risk. [1]

Use readiness tools as a teaching/support map; design supported management rather than demand full independence as a gate. [3]

Address the young person with their communication system; prepare parents with timeline, joint visits and written plans that make transfer easier. [8] [17]