Transition is the idea that a child gradually takes over responsibility for their health from their parent or carer. This involves knowing about your condition, but also maturity in terms of understanding risks, about how health services work etc.
Your doctor may wish to let your child do all the talking to begin with, or may wish to see your child on their own, perhaps just for the start of a consultation. They will want to assess whether your child:
- Know their diagnosis
- Knows their triggers
- Knows what symptoms they might get, and the difference between a mild and a severe (anaphylactic) reaction
- Knows about their medicines and how/when to use them
- Knows how to look after their medicines and replace them if necessary
It may also be interesting to consider:
- Careers (armed forces, police and emergency services may not favour recruits with potentially life threatening allergies).
- Alcohol, particularly how it can lead to more risky behaviour
- Holidays
- Moving away
- Relationships eg whether your friends know about your allergy, kissing when you have a food allergy
Parents are of course an important part of this process, and you will be asked how you think this can best be done for your child. You may have to get used to hearing your child’s alternative views, however!