Transitioning to Adult Care

Transitioning to Adult Care Starts Early!

Moving from pediatric to adult medical care can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Teens with Spina Bifida benefit from early guidance, skill-building, and coordinated planning so they can step into adult care with confidence.

Key steps to support a smooth transition:

• Build self-care skills: Practice managing medications, appointments, and health information gradually.
• Prepare a medical summary: Document your medical history, current treatments, and care needs to share with adult providers.
• Identify adult-focused clinicians: Start early to find doctors who understand Spina Bifida and your unique needs.

A good place to start? Check out the SBANYS Doctor Database to find providers experienced in supporting people with Spina Bifida in New York State: https://sbanys.org/doctor-database/

Every step of planning now helps teens gain confidence, independence, and a smoother transition into adult care. Start the journey today — your health, your future, your voice!