| Age | Topic | I can do this now | I need to learn | I won’t be able to do this alone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-14 | Know your condition and medications and why you take medicine | |||
| 12-14 | Meet alone with your doctor for part of the visit | |||
| 12-14 | Know what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe | |||
| 12-14 | Learn about healthy lifestyle habits | |||
| 12-14 | Learn about reproductive health | |||
| 12-14 | Learn about the impact of drugs and alcohol | |||
| 12-14 | Lean on friends for support and connect with others like you | |||
| 15-17 | Speak up in appointments and ask questions | |||
| 15-17 | Explain your illness to others and name your medications | |||
| 15-17 | Know names and purposes of tests conducted | |||
| 15-17 | Take your medication on your own and order refills | |||
| 15-17 | Plan for your future educational and career goals | |||
| 15-17 | Book your own medical appointments and check yourself in | |||
| 15-17 | Know your medical history and fill out medical forms with help | |||
| 15-17 | Advocate for your medical needs | |||
| 15-17 | Carry your insurance card and learn about health insurance/finances | |||
| 15-17 | Understand your legal rights and what changes when you turn 18 | |||
| 15-17 | Consider basic needs and learn independent living skills | |||
| 18 | Consent for your own medical treatment | |||
| 18 | Choose who participates in your healthcare | |||
| 19-21 | Understand differences between pediatric and adult care | |||
| 19-21 | Identify an adult primary care provider (PCP) and, if needed, adult specialists | |||
| 21 | Establish care with adult provider |
The guidance on this page has been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.
The contents of this webpage, including text, graphics, audio files, and videos (“Materials”), are for your general information only. The Materials are not intended to substitute qualified professional or medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. CHOC does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or other information that may be mentioned on or linked to this webpage. Always call your physician or another qualified health provider if you have any questions or problems. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
For more health information for your family visit health.choc.org
