Welcome to Day 3 of Transitioning to Adult Living with Dr. T. So far in this series you have identified your child's or individual's dreams (Day 1) and their strengths (Day 2). Today you add the third column to your plan: the barriers that stand between your young adult and those dreams.
Video Transcript
Dr. T: Hey everyone, Dr. T is back with day three of transitioning to adult living.
Okay, so we've talked about identifying the dreams, we've talked about identifying the strengths, hold on,
Um, and now we're gonna talk about the barriers.
The third column that I want you guys to fill out today, whether it's on your spreadsheet, or in a table, or in some type of a graphic organizer,
I want you to identify all of the barriers to your child or your individual meeting those dreams that you've all identified.
What are the barriers to making that happen, okay?
Day three, barriers to getting their dreams to come true.
And with that, I'll see you tomorrow.
Today's Step: Add the Barriers Column
Use whatever format works for your family: a spreadsheet, a table on paper, or a graphic organizer. By the end of today, each dream on your list should have three columns filled in:
- Dreams — what your young adult wants their adult life to look like
- Strengths — the skills, interests and supports they already have
- Barriers — everything that could keep that dream from happening
Here is what one row might look like:
| Dream | Strengths | Barriers |
|---|---|---|
| Live in my own apartment | Keeps a daily routine; enjoys cooking simple meals; good at remembering appointments | Has not managed a budget or paid bills; no transportation plan; unsure what housing supports are available locally |
Types of Barriers to Look For
It helps to think through barriers by category so nothing gets missed:
- Skills: daily living, money management, cooking, self-care, or job skills that still need to be learned
- Transportation: getting to work, school, appointments and social activities
- Finances and benefits: income, budgeting, and understanding how work and benefits fit together
- Health and support needs: medical care, medications, therapies, or personal care support
- Access to services: eligibility, paperwork, and waitlists for adult programs
- Communication and self-advocacy: speaking up for needs, asking for accommodations, making decisions
- Housing and community: availability, accessibility, and connections in the neighborhood
- Attitudes and expectations: including our own worries as parents and caregivers
Tips for Naming Barriers Honestly
- Include your young adult. Ask what they think is getting in the way — their answers may surprise you.
- Be specific. “Can't get to work” is harder to solve than “no bus route to the job site and doesn't yet have a driver's license.”
- List everything first. Don't stop to solve barriers yet. Getting them all on paper is today's goal.
- Barriers are not deal-breakers. Naming a barrier doesn't mean giving up the dream. It shows you where planning and support are needed.
Keep Your Chart Handy
As Dr. T says, “I'll see you tomorrow.” Keep your dreams, strengths and barriers chart close; the next video in the series builds on the work you did today.
Need Help With Transition Planning?
Planning the move from school to adult life can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. New Hope Advocacy supports families through transition to adult living and post-high-school services and resources. Connect with us →
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