Reaching out to parents of Teenagers transitioning

Johan

Hi There

I am just about to start the process of preparing my son for post 16. Its a minefield and I don't know where to start. He has CP, quadriplegia, epilepsy and severe learning difficulties and he doesn't cope well with change. I am just wanting to hear some of your experience with this process, good or bad and what tips you might have for me. 

My boy has grown up so quick and I have had my head in the sand for too long. Denial and a glass of wine seemed to make it all better :-(

janer1967

Hi there 

I will tag in our CP expert who may be able to give you some help 

@Richard_Scope can you help here 

Richard_Scope

Thanks for tagging me in @janer1967

Hi @Johan
Thanks for posting and a warm welcome to the community. We have some information that might help you begin planning for transition to adult care and getting involved in the transition to adult care services.

As a man with quadriplegic CP myself, I have to say that the transition to services for me was non-existent. However, we now have the Adults with CP care pathway, which your G.P. should be aware of and follow.

JenF

No practical suggestions here, I'm afraid, but sympathy for 'head in the sand'. I also cope with the emotional impact of my daughter's problems by not really thinking about them in the round, just dealing with things when they can't be ignored. Don't feel stupid that you did that, we parents have feelings and mental health to protect too. And after all, you can't help your son if you're crippled by anxiety or depression. 
Besides, the system changes so much in a few years that any work you did earlier, getting information and so on,  would likely have been wasted.