Endocrine Transition for Adolescents
Adolescents with endocrine conditions such as type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid disorders, and differences in sex development face unique challenges as they move from pediatric to adult care. This session on Endocrine Transition for Adolescents explores how to plan and deliver transitions that protect health, support autonomy, and respect identity during a period of intense physical and social change. The focus is on structured, gradual processes rather than abrupt “hand-offs.”
Professionals who attend Pediatrics Conference want practical strategies to reduce loss to follow-up, poor adherence, and preventable complications. In this session, participants will examine models of transition that begin early—often in early adolescence—with staged education, joint clinics, and growing responsibility for self-management. Case examples will highlight diverse endocrine conditions, demonstrating how medical complexity, treatment regimens, and psychosocial context influence transition needs and timing.
A central theme is building coherent pediatric endocrine transition pathways that span pediatric and adult services. Attendees will discuss how to agree shared criteria for readiness, prepare comprehensive written summaries, and coordinate roles across endocrinologists, nurses, psychologists, primary care, and allied professionals. Strategies for addressing topics such as fertility, contraception, bone health, cardiovascular risk, body image, and mental health will be explored in age-appropriate ways.
The session will also address equity, identity, and participation. Participants will consider the needs of adolescents with learning difficulties, mental health conditions, or social vulnerabilities, as well as those exploring gender identity or living in contexts where endocrine conditions are stigmatised. Practical ideas for involving families without undermining adolescent autonomy, dealing with differing pediatric and adult care cultures, and using digital tools to support independence will be shared. By the end, attendees will have concrete tools and frameworks to strengthen transition processes and outcomes.
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Core Themes in Endocrine Transition for Adolescents
Principles and timing of transition
- Understanding why early, gradual preparation improves engagement and health outcomes.
- Identifying the right window for transition based on developmental readiness, not just chronological age.
Readiness, skills, and self-management
- Assessing knowledge of the condition, medication routines, monitoring, and problem-solving skills.
- Working with adolescents to build confidence in navigating appointments, prescriptions, and emergencies.
Communication between pediatric and adult teams
- Creating clear, concise transfer summaries that capture medical history, psychosocial context, and preferences.
- Holding joint clinics or case conferences to ensure a warm, coordinated handover.
Addressing psychosocial and identity issues
- Recognising how body image, peer relationships, mental health, and identity affect engagement with care.
- Providing safe spaces to discuss sexuality, fertility, gender, and future plans.
Practice Insights and Service Organisation
Advocating for system-level support
Working with service leaders to secure joint clinics, dedicated coordinators, and protected time for transition work.
Designing pediatric endocrine transition pathways
Mapping key milestones, tools, and appointments from early adolescence through transfer.
Engaging families while supporting autonomy
Negotiating evolving roles for caregivers in reminders, supervision, and advocacy.
Using digital tools to support independence
Recommending apps, portals, and reminders that help adolescents manage medications and appointments.
Monitoring outcomes after transfer
Tracking attendance, glycaemic control, hormone levels, and complications to refine transition processes.
Adapting approaches for diverse needs
Tailoring transition for young people with learning disabilities, complex conditions, or social vulnerability.
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