Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare series with Perkins Transition Center
The Perkins Transition Center is proud to present a free, five-part webinar series focused on supporting youth with complex medical needs and disabilities as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare systems.

Parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates will gain practical strategies, tools, and resources to ensure a smooth, person-centered transition. Each session features expert presenters – several of whom are parents with real-world insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with complex disabilities.

By the end of the series, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to promote continuity of care, independence, and quality of life for young adults with complex medical and developmental needs.

4/1/2026: Seeing Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Agitation in I/DD
Led by Dr. Maulik Trivedi, CSO, StationMD, this session helps families better understand why agitation happens in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and what to do when it does. Dr. Trivedi will walk through common medical and environmental triggers, how to spot possible underlying causes using simple tools like the HURTS checklist, and ways to communicate and calm situations before they escalate.
Using real-life examples, the session also covers medication questions, working together with providers and family members, and steps that may help avoid unnecessary ER visits. Parents will leave with clear, practical strategies they can use right away to support safety, dignity, and overall well-being.

4/8/2026:Pap Camp: Your Health, Your Access, Your Power
(*This event is for those supporting individuals with female anatomy.)
Pap Camp is a supportive session for parents who want to help their young adult feel more comfortable and prepared for reproductive health visits. We’ll walk through what typically happens at an appointment, who may be involved, and how to plan ahead in ways that honor comfort, privacy, and individual needs.  The session also explores why respectful, accessible reproductive health care matters, and how it can support self-advocacy, early awareness of health concerns, and informed choices that reflect personal values and goals.
Presenters: Dr. Jennifer M. LeComte, Medical Director, Rowan Medicine and Dr. Wendy F. Aita, PhD, Co-Director, Rowan Medicine

4/15/2026: Facilitating Transition Age Youth Voice: Ways to Ensure Youth Participation in Health-Related Decision Making
This session is designed to help parents support their transition-age youth in having a real voice in health-related decisions, even when communication is complex. We’ll talk about common challenges young people with medical needs may face when expressing preferences, asking questions, or participating in care decisions.
We’ll also share practical strategies families can use alongside schools and IEP teams to support participation in healthcare planning and goal-setting. Parents will leave with ideas for helping their young adult be included in decisions about their health in ways that feel meaningful and achievable.
Presenter: Elizabeth Bostic, Director, Division for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs, Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Founder, The Parent Coach

4/22/2026:Building the Bridge: Strategies for an Inclusive Healthcare Transition for Individuals with Disabilities
This session helps parents understand and navigate the move from pediatric to adult healthcare for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. We’ll look at common barriers, like gaps in provider training, biases, and insurance challenges, and share practical strategies to make the transition smoother.
Parents will gain tools, tips, and parent-to-parent advice for supporting their young adult in accessing inclusive, lifelong healthcare, helping them feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Presenter: Maura Sullivan, CEO, The ARC of MA

4/29/2026:Putting the Good in Goodbye: Acknowledging, Managing and Celebrating the Shift to Adult Care
Susan Shanske and Lisa Volpigno, social workers with the BRIDGES Adult Transition Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, will explore the emotional and relational challenges families often face when moving from pediatric to adult healthcare. They’ll share how their program supports patients, families, and providers in navigating changing relationships and balancing new responsibilities.  Parents will gain practical strategies and insights for making the most of this transition, helping their young adult move into adult care with confidence and support.
Presenters: Susan Shanske, MSW, LICSW, Director, Transitional Care Support, Boston Children’s Hospital, BRIDGES Adult Transition Program and Lisa Volpigno, MSW, Clinical Social Worker, Boston Children’s Hospital, BRIDGES Adult Transition Program

Click here to register for the series.