Intended for US audience only.
Transition to Adulthood
All teenagers experience many changes as they approach adulthood. First, the body matures during puberty, and the teenager is able to perform complex physical tasks. Teenagers also begin to mature cognitively and emotionally.
Young adults with hemophilia must navigate even more carefully than most teenagers through certain rites of passage, such as learning to drive a car and choosing a career. They face unique challenges as they prepare for the important steps on the road to becoming an adult.
A driving force
Learning to drive is a turning point for all teens—the ultimate symbol of independence that can allow them to go anywhere they want to go whenever they want. If an adolescent is willing to work to save money to pay for car insurance, that’s a good indicator.
Since hemophilia patients do not have any more difficulty driving than anyone else, parents can feel comfortable handing over the keys. It should be noted that healthcare professionals strongly advise against patients riding motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles.
Dollars and sense
Because of the high costs associated with managing hemophilia over a lifetime, it’s critical that you teach your teens learn to budget money for their insurance and treatment.
Teens also will need to learn what their current insurance plan will and won’t cover, at what age they’ll no longer be covered under your insurance policy, and other resources available for obtaining insurance, such as group plans through their college or future employer.
Go to the head of the class
Teenagers who plan to continue their education beyond high school might want to investigate the variety of college scholarships offered specifically to youngsters with hemophilia. (See Online Resources.)
The working life
The list of vocations available to those with hemophilia is virtually limitless, from environmentalist to x-ray technician. Some exceptions are:
- Contact sports
- Construction
- Military
Patients should consider pursuing jobs with employers that offer strong insurance plans.
Making Friends
Choosing friends may be more complicated for teenagers with hemophilia. Disclosing any medical condition can be uncomfortable for any patient, but they should be able to tell a friend.
The Dating Game
Again, a teenager with hemophilia needs to decide when — or if —he should tell a date about the condition. However, it is important — if for no other reason than your safety — that you tell any potential significant other about your condition. It will help them understand and support you better and can bring you closer.
Eating Healthy
If mom is no longer cooking three squares a day, it’s up to the young adult to learn nutritional requirements and how to cook healthy foods for himself. (For more information, see Nutrition in the Living Well section.)
