As it is stated in other sections of this website, we use the term transmission to talk about the moment when a patient will be transferred from pediatric to adult care. If you are the adult relative in charge of the patients in his childhood year, this will also mean a change within the responsibilities you used to have towards the patient since, as an adult, he/she will be legally in charge of making his/her own choices regarding treatment, procedures, ect. It may also mean that you may not be allowed to be present in certain procedures or appointments.

Transmission is an essential part of a patient’s life, just as every change that marks the coming to adulthood. It is also an emotional moment for you, as adults we try very hard to educate and protect our little ones in charge and letting them fly free. It may raise some worries in you. This is perfectly normal when we speak about a loving one but, just as other steps on the way to independency, your help and support will be very important to determine their success

There are a lot of things that you can do to help your relative going through transmission. Down below you will find some general advice but you are probably who the one your relative best and how to discuss or address their needs/worries about the process.

• Prepare for it in advance:  The age of transmissions varies from one country to the other but it usually happens between 16-18 years old. Ask your specialist in advance when and how it will happen so you know about the process before it starts.
• Discuss the process with your relative:  Talking openly about what will happen and when may help you overcome the initial doubts you and your relative may have. Discuss also the IBD condition so you can help your young adult understand its IBD condition and treatments, also make sure that you will support and respect his/her choices as a patient and you will be here to support and help if he/she needs it.
• Encourage your relative’s confidence: It may be very helpful to let your relative take the center stage in doctor’s appointments a few years before the actual transmission happens. Let her/him make questions to the doctor and express himself/herself in the appointment; so independence doesn’t seem sudden.
• Search for support: Many IBD organisations have a wide range of services that may be helpful for you and your family at the time of transmission, from groups of support to summer camps for young patients. Speaking to someone who has been through the same experiences may help you all to deal with it much better. (see the association’s section).