Empowering young people with additional needs to prepare for adulthood: an occupational therapist's view

A smooth and coordinated handover to adult health services for young people with additional needs is important. Yet equally as important is preparing the young person for self-management of their health care and independence. A central goal of occupational therapy is to empower young people to lead a meaningful life, as independently as possible. Occupational therapists (OTs) therefore have an important role to play in helping young people with additional needs to prepare for their adult lives. However this article outlines suggestions, signposting and strategies that all professionals could consider which will empower young people with additional needs to prepare for their adulthood during every interaction. It provides a list of recommended materials that the authors have found particularly helpful. It is aimed at all health care professionals working with children and young people.