Transitioning to Adult Care with Juvenile Arthritis: Practical Steps

Moving from pediatric to adult care can feel like stepping into unknown territory. You handled appointments, medications, and school plans while caregivers managed the details. Now you need new skills and a plan that fits your life, school, or work. This guide gives clear, practical steps you can use right away.

First, know your diagnosis and treatment history. Can you name your juvenile arthritis type, current drugs, doses, and past reactions? Keep a one-page medical summary with diagnoses, surgeries, allergies, lab results, and your latest imaging. This saves time and prevents repeat tests when you meet adult specialists.

Second, learn your medications and how to manage them. Practice scheduling doses, refilling prescriptions, and recognizing common side effects. Ask for written instructions and set phone reminders or use an app. If you take biologics or DMARDs, know injection steps, storage rules, and what to do if a dose is missed.

Build your care team and timelines

Find an adult rheumatologist who treats young adults with juvenile-onset disease. Get referrals early—six to twelve months before the planned transfer. Schedule a joint visit if possible, where your pediatric and adult doctors talk together. Confirm which clinics accept your insurance and how referral authorizations work.

Understand insurance and medication coverage. If you're aging out of a parent’s plan, check eligibility deadlines and options like student health plans or marketplace coverage. Know formularies, prior authorization requirements, and co-pay assistance programs for expensive drugs.

Practical life skills to handle now

Practice booking appointments, asking questions, and understanding lab reports. Bring a list of concerns and goals to every visit. Learn how to request medical records and transfer them to new providers. If you drive, store emergency contact and medication info in your phone.

Mental health matters. Living with chronic pain or fatigue affects mood, school performance, and relationships. Keep a therapist or counselor on the team and reach out if anxiety or depression shows up. Peer support groups or online communities for young adults with arthritis help you feel less alone.

School, college, and work need planning. Use disability services to get accommodations for exams, flexible schedules, or ergonomic needs. Communicate with employers about limits and safe duties when needed. Manage energy with pacing, rest breaks, and realistic goals.

Finally, set personal health goals. Aim for regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and a balanced diet that supports bone and joint health. Track symptoms in a simple journal so you can spot trends and show progress to your doctor. Transition is a step toward independence, not something you handle alone. Use your team, ask for help, and keep a clear plan.

Quick checklist: 1) Get medical summary and medication list. 2) Meet adult rheumatologist before transfer. 3) Confirm insurance and prescriptions. 4) Practice booking your appointments. 5) Keep mental health support and a peer group. Small steps each month make the switch smoother and keep your care on track. Ask questions early, trust your independence, and plan with confidence.