Transition to adulthood

"As long as the child is still small, there is often a dense network that offers help: Counselling centres, parent groups, early intervention centres and much more. But when the child gets older, the parents often feel left alone. [...] Parent groups are separating again, because the disabilities of children and their developments are so different that the interests of the families are drifting apart. Brothers and sisters go through puberty and confront with the handicapped child, which is difficult for parents to bear. The PWID also changes. It goes through puberty and may show behavioural peculiarities, because they want to live more a self-determined life. But a child with a disability lives more dependent on his or her parents than other children: How can a person get rid of the umbilical cord in this addiction?” [1]

How can I support my child on their way to adulthood, so that they can live a self-determined and happy life despite their special needs? What can I pass on to him or her? How can I foster their personality development, life planning and independence?

This chapter is about how you can support your child in the following developmental tasks:

• On the road to identity (3.1.)

• During life planning (3.2.)

• Concerning independence (3.3.)