Transition to adulthood for neurodivergent youth.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an overview of neurodivergence and its unique challenges across the lifespan, including best practices for pediatricians who care for these individuals and facilitate their transition to adulthood.

Recent findings: Neurodivergent individuals, those with a natural variation in human neurological functioning, represent a growing population, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population. They experience worse health outcomes in adulthood compared with their neurotypical peers due to lack of clinician training in addressing their unique needs, loss of essential therapy services previously provided by the public education system, lapses in benefits and insurance coverage, ambiguities in decision-making, and incomplete long-term planning. When neurodivergent affirming care is provided, health outcomes and patient satisfaction improve significantly.

Summary: Neurodivergent youth encounter specific challenges throughout the lifespan, which are compounded during the transition from pediatric to adult systems. In addition to varied healthcare access and a range of decision-making abilities, there are also important considerations for community integration and long-term planning.