Adolescents with special health care needs in transition: Three life histories

Purpose: This study was part of a large multi-method inquiry designed to ex amine the service and support needs of adolescents with special health care needs who are transitioning to adulthood. Methods: A multiple case study methodology relying on life history was used to ascertain perspectives of the parents on the longitudinal events and fa ctors in the lives of adolescents with special health care needs that shape d or currently influence adolescent transition to adulthood. Three informan ts were purposively selected to depict a range of health and socio-economic conditions. Long interviews were conducted and audiotaped and transcribed data were thematically and taxonomically analyzed. Results: Six major themes emerged in the analysis: (1) Begetting a service system, (2) Pathology or not pathology, (3) Educational stability vs, inter ruptions, (4) Role blurring of parents and providers, (5) Private life made public, and (6) Independence vs. burden. Conclusions: The study revealed that, consistent with the literature, adole scents with special health care needs do not follow typical developmental s equences, although their needs and desires are no different than those of t ypical adolescents. The lives of the adolescents and their families are sig nificantly influenced by the timing and nature of the diagnosis, the family 's articulation with service providers, and the degree to which school syst ems are responsive to atypical adolescents. Implications for health provide rs and future inquiry are advanced.