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starting college with a chronic condition: tips for a healthy start

Teen talks with specialist and parent about mental health resources

Starting college is a big transition! New classes, potentially a new place to live and a lot more independence! If you’re managing a chronic condition like diabetes, epilepsy, a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder or a mental health condition, you might also be wondering how you’ll stay on top of your health while being away from home.  

The good news is that a little planning can help you feel more prepared and confident before move-in day. 

start planning before classes start

A few months before college starts, make a checklist of your health needs. Having a plan in place can help reduce stress once classes begin. Make a simple checklist that includes: 

  • Medications and prescriptions  
  • Doctor appointments  
  • Medical supplies  
  • Insurance coverage  
  • Emergency contacts  
  • School accommodations  

make sure you can get your prescriptions filled

One of the most important steps is figuring out how you’ll get your medications while at school. 

Before leaving for college: 

  • Ask your doctor for enough refills to last through the semester if possible  
  • Set reminders so you don’t run out of medication 
  • Find a pharmacy near campus and learn how to transfer prescriptions if needed 
  • Check if your insurance works in your college town  

This is especially important for students managing conditions like: 

  • Diabetes that requires insulin or glucose monitoring supplies  
  • Epilepsy medications that need to be taken consistently  
  • GI conditions that require daily medications  
  • Mental health medications that should not be stopped suddenly  

If you use specialty medications, ask your care team how deliveries will work at school.

know where to go for medical care

Before classes start, learn about the healthcare options near campus. 

Find out: 

  • Where the student health center is located  
  • Which urgent care or emergency room is closest  
  • Whether there are pediatric or adult specialists nearby  

Some students may continue seeing their pediatric specialist during college breaks or through virtual visits. Others may need help transitioning to an adult care provider closer to campus. 

Talk with your specialist before college about: 

  • How often you need follow-up visits  
  • What symptoms mean it’s time to schedule an appointment  
  • What to do if you have a flare-up or emergency 

take charge of your health

College is often the first time students manage healthcare on their own. Practice skills like: 

  • Scheduling appointments  
  • Calling in prescription refills  
  • Tracking symptoms  
  • Understanding your medications  

Keeping important medical information in your phone can also help in an emergency. Include your diagnosis, medications, allergies and emergency contacts. 

teen girl hydrates after playing soccer

don’t ignore mental health

Changes in sleep, routines and stress can affect both physical and mental health. If you already manage anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, stick to your treatment plan and know how to access counseling services on campus. 

Even students without a diagnosed mental health condition may struggle during the transition to college. Reaching out for support early can make a big difference. 

build healthy habits

Healthy routines can help you manage symptoms and feel your best. Try to: 

  • Get enough sleep  
  • Eat regular meals  
  • Stay hydrated  
  • Use reminders for medications and appointments  

Students with chronic conditions may also qualify for accommodations through their college’s disability services office. This could include things like flexible attendance or housing needs. Ask your doctor about any paperwork you may need before school starts. 

you don’t have to figure it out alone

Starting college with a chronic condition may take extra preparation, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Consider talking with your roommate and close friends about your health needs. Many chronic conditions are “invisible,” so others may not know when you need help unless you share it with them. Letting someone know what to watch for and how to help in an emergency can help you feel safer and more supported on campus.  

Starting college can feel overwhelming, especially with a chronic condition, but support is available. Your healthcare team, family and school resources are there to support you along the way. 

With preparation and the right support, you can spend less time worrying about your condition and more time enjoying your college experience. 

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tips for transitioning from pediatric to adult care

teen poses with parent

Turning 18 comes with a lot of “firsts,” including taking more responsibility for your health. Along with more independence comes new responsibility, like managing appointments, understanding your insurance and speaking up about your care. For many teens and families, the move from pediatric to adult healthcare can feel overwhelming at first.  

The good news? Preparing early can make the transition much smoother. 

Whether your teen has a chronic condition or just visits the doctor once a year, learning how adult healthcare works is something they’ll use for the rest of their life. Here’s what families should know about transitioning to adult care and how to prepare now.

what changes when you turn 18?

At age 18, you become a legal adult. This means: 

  • You make your own medical decisions  
  • Healthcare providers will speak directly to you  
  • Your medical records become private  
  • Parents or caregivers can no longer access your information without permission  
  • Medical bills will be in your name 

Even if you stay on a parent’s insurance plan, these responsibilities will shift to you. 

why transitioning to adult healthcare matters

Learning how to manage your health helps build confidence over time. It also prepares teens for college, work, sports and everyday adult life.  

For teens with chronic conditions or ongoing medical needs, planning ahead is especially important. 

tips for teens preparing for adult care

The best time to prepare for adult healthcare is before turning 18. Small steps now can help teens feel more confident later. 

1. Start taking part in appointments

Practice answering questions during doctor visits instead of letting a parent answer everything. Try asking at least one question during each appointment. 

2. Learn about your health history

Teens should know: 

  • Current medications  
  • Allergies  
  • Past surgeries or medical conditions  
  • Family health history  
  • Vaccine history  

Keeping this information organized can make appointments much easier. 

3. Practice real-life healthcare tasks

Begin practicing skills like: 

  • Scheduling appointments  
  • Checking in at visits 
  • Refilling prescriptions  
  • Logging into MyChart  
  • Calling the doctor’s office with questions  

These are small steps that build confidence over time. 

4. Understand HIPAA and medical privacy

HIPAA is a law that protects private health information. Once a teen turns 18, healthcare providers can’t share medical information with parents or caregivers without permission. 

Teens can choose to share access by signing a release of information form. 

mother talks to teen son about mental health

tips for parents supporting the transition

For parents and caregivers, this transition can feel emotional. It may be hard stepping back after years of managing everything. The goal is to move from managing care to supporting independence.

Here are ways parents can help: 

  • Talking about medical forms like release of information or healthcare power of attorney if needed   
  • Encouraging teens to practice healthcare tasks  
  • Review insurance information together  
  • Talking about how involved they want to be after age 18  

transitioning to adult care for teens with chronic conditions

Teens with chronic illnesses, complex medical needs or disabilities may need extra support during this transition. 

Some conditions require ongoing care into adulthood. These conditions may include: 

  • Diabetes  
  • Epilepsy  
  • Asthma  
  • Heart conditions  
  • Gastrointestinal disorders  
  • Mental health conditions  

Families should start talking with their healthcare team early about transition planning, adult specialists and long-term care needs. 

a simple healthcare transition checklist 

Before turning 18, teens should try to: 

  • Know their medications and allergies  
  • Carry an insurance card  
  • Schedule an appointment on their own 
  • Refill a prescription  
  • Log into MyChart  
  • Ask questions during appointments  
  • Understand who has access to their health information  

growing into independence

Transitioning to adult care does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that takes practice, patience and support from both teens and caregivers. 

With preparation and guidance, teens can feel more confident taking charge of their health and future. 

If you have questions about transitioning to adult healthcare, talk with your child’s primary care provider for additional support and resources. 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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conditions we treat


meet our newest (and furriest!) member of the mental health team

We’re excited to share something very special with our patient families – a new teammate who is already bringing comfort, calm and connection to patients. She’s friendly, she’s furry and she has a wagging tail that’s helping transform the way we support mental health and wellness. Meet our newest facility dog in our Canine Co-pilots program, Piper!

Piper works alongside her primary handler, Taylor. Taylor is a licensed independent clinical social worker with extensive experience as a mental health therapist. Together, Taylor and Piper, work together to tailor interventions and support the unique challenges kids may face during their time with us. Whether your child is newly admitted, struggling to open up, or facing tough emotions, this dynamic duo is here to help.

how Piper will help patients at the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness

Piper plays a special role in individual therapeutic sessions. Here are some of the way she and Taylor help support patients:

  • Helping patients adjust to the unit: being in a new place can be overwhelming. Piper offers comfort to patients who feel hesitant about being admitted to the mental health unit. While Taylor can help explain what to expect, the dog provides gentle reassurance.
  • Building trust and connection: Dogs have a natural ability to break down walls. Many patients feel more comfortable talking to a therapist when Piper is there. She helps bridge the gap and builds the trust needed for healing.
  • Support during hard conversations: Whether it’s discussing trauma or navigating big emotions, Piper is there to lay beside patients, offer deep pressure for grounding, or just be a steady presence to hold onto.
  • Lifting spirits and highlighting strengths: Piper’s playful and loving nature makes it easier for patients to engage in positive conversations about coping skills, goals and navigating conflict.
  • Modeling healthy routines: Piper models positive coping strategies and can demonstrate how she maintains a good mindset and mood. She can also model activities of daily living like brushing her teeth and brushing her hair. These fun interactions help reinforce how small daily habits can make a big impact on both mental and physical health.
  • Getting active together: Movement is a key part of mental wellness. Through structured play and physical activities, Piper helps patients burn off energy, stay focused in therapy, and feel good in their bodies.

group therapy sessions

Beyond individual sessions, Piper has dedicated animal-assisted group therapy sessions weekly. She helps lead discussions on important topics like self-control, connection, coping skills and resilience. Her calming presence helps patients feel safe and supported as they work through their feelings together.

crisis response

Piper is more than just a cuddly companion – she is specially trained in behavioral management and crisis response. In emergency situations, Piper and Taylor can respond to codes to support patients in distress. Since the involvement of our facility dogs in code responses, we have seen drastic results:

  • Odds of using physical restraint were 71% lower
  • Average time in physical restraints was 18.5 minutes shorter
  • Odds of intramuscular medication administration were 37% lower

These outcomes speak to the incredible impact of compassionate, canine-assisted approaches to care.

We know that mental health challenges can be tough – for both patients and their families. That’s why we’re so proud to offer innovative, heartwarming support through our facility dog program. Piper isn’t just a pet – she’s a partner in healing, connection and resilience. And she’s already making a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

Happy Mental Health Month – from all of us, and a very special wag of the tail from our newest teammate, Piper!

For more information about our Canine Co-pilots program, click here. 

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care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

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conditions we treat

did you know traveling encourages family bonding?

family looks at travel magazine while on an airplane

Navigating family vacations and travel with kids can be complicated. However, traveling with children can also be a fun learning opportunity! We sat down with Mary Beth DeWitt, PhD, chief of child psychology at Dayton Children’s Hospital, to look at the positive relationship between traveling and family bonding.

why are events such as family trips important to family bonding? and how about when the trip is annual or a tradition?

Family vacations and travel can contribute to bonding, which is an important variable in development. Our relationships from early childhood help us develop later relationships which, when healthy, contribute to our positive self-esteem, resilience and happiness. Our lives are becoming so busy, that it is sometimes hard to get away to facilitate and foster those relationships. Travel and vacations in some ways protects that time to share new adventures, strengthen our bonds and increase wellbeing. It may serve to enhance relationships though physical and emotional connections. What remains important is staying engaged with children and with families. The quality time is what is important, not necessarily a lavish vacation. 

and what about families who choose the same destination? what does making a place special like that mean?

This may serve the function of a routine. Family routines and rituals are alive and well and are associated with marital satisfaction, adolescents’ sense of personal identity, children’s overall health, academic achievement and stronger family relationships.

Routines and predictability are important for children, so as the American Psychological Association comments, common routines are bedtime, chores, dinnertime and everyday activities. Rituals include holidays, birthdays, reunions, all of which are important and contribute to family bonding.

what do these trips do for a child’s development?

Special time with families contributes to quality time, to engagement, to relationship building and bonding which are associated with overall health and wellbeing. 

what does traveling together do for family dynamics?

A shared experience can contribute to fond memories, topics for discussion and reminiscence over time. Healthy families spend time together and parents model stress management and coping.

“I don’t want families to expect that they have to travel to have good family bonding.” says Dr. DeWitt. “Small activities to stay engaged, such as outings to the park, family game nights, and regular conversations about their days, can contribute to relationship building.” 

Additional research can be found here:

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last reviewed

care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

find a provider
schedule appointment
conditions we treat

embrace, expose and empathize – discussing disabilities with your child

on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, remember the 3 e’s to discuss disabilities with your child

Boy in wheelchair smiles at a park with his friend and a dog

December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day is for promoting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and increasing awareness of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.  

In the U.S., 1 in 4 adults lives with a disability. In 2017, about 1 in 6 children (17%) aged 3-17 were diagnosed with a developmental disability according to the CDC. So, it is likely that your child will come into contact with people who have disabilities. It is important to ensure that your children are mindful of how they treat others and are inclusive of all people. Today is the perfect day to start having these conversations in order to make our society more welcoming for people with disabilities.  

Dayton Children’s pediatric psychologist Dr. Latisha Gathers-Hutchins says children should be encouraged to explore their curiosity about people with disabilities. Teaching children to be more inclusive, use inclusive language and empathize with people who have differing abilities has a psychological effect on their being ready to engage with and accept others.  

To encourage inclusivity, it is important to remember the three E’s with your child:  

  1. Embrace Curiosity.  

Kids are going to ask questions. While it may be mortifying when they verbalize their curiosities about a person with a disability in a public setting, it is important to not give in to the natural inclination of hushing your child. Instead, acknowledge the child’s curiosity and redirect the child to having the discussion later.  

An example of this may look like: 

“I see you’ve noticed that person is in a wheelchair, we can talk about this when we get home.”  

This creates an environment in which the child knows that it is okay to notice what makes people different, and that differences between people are not “bad,” or “wrong.”  

  1. Expose to Inclusivity  

Creating an inclusive environment and teaching your children how to be more accepting can be influenced by what you expose your child to. Watching TV shows featuring people with differing abilities, reading books about people who are different and otherwise normalizing the experience can help a child to understand our diverse society.  

Also remember to use matter-of-fact language when discussing people with disabilities with your children. Staying away from colloquialisms, metaphors or other unclear language will help your child feel equipped to discuss and include others who are different from them.  

Dr. Gathers-Hutchins gave an example of a first-grade class with a student who had autism. Prior to the student joining the class, the teacher shared books with the other students about how a child with autism may think, speak or act. As a result, the students were excited to play with, and include this student in their activities. 

  1. Introduce Empathy 

Empathy is the idea of understanding that all people have differences. Teaching your children how to empathize with all people can help them understand and include those who may have differing abilities. For younger children, empathy may be a harder concept to grasp. Try practicing empathy with your child while reading stories. Ask them what a story book character might be thinking or encourage them to guess what the character will do next. Hopefully, your child will soon start to learn how to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.  

Gathers-Hutchins says, with her own children, she might say “this person has trouble with xx, just like sometimes you have trouble with xx. We are all different in many ways.”  

She also emphasizes using “people first language” at all times when discussing those who may have differing abilities. Make sure that you do not label that person as their disability. For example, it is important to say, “this person has autism,” instead of “an autistic person.” 

Dayton Children’s is committed to striving for an environment in which all people feel welcomed, valued and fairly treated in order to reach our full potential.  Share with us how you and your family are promoting inclusivity in your community or how a more inclusive community has impacted your day-to-day life. 

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last reviewed

care that goes above and beyond

Because every child deserves care that goes above and beyond, Dayton Children’s provides compassionate, expert care for kids of all ages. Find a provider, schedule an appointment, or learn more about conditions we treat today.

find a provider
schedule appointment
conditions we treat