Think about your child's ability to make different kinds of decisions

Here's what you can do:

• Review the list below.

• For each area, think and talk about how well your child can do these things on their own.

• Involve your child in the discussion if possible.

• Think about how they might develop these abilities as they get older. Many 17-year-olds can't do these things because they've never tried, but they could learn.

Medical: 

• Seek medical care when they are sick or injured

• Weigh the risks and benefits of medical procedures

• Understand the need for routine medical care

• Understand that they might still need a medical procedure, even if it is painful or unpleasant

• Decide if taking a certain medicine is important, even though it may have unpleasant side effects

• Describe their symptoms, conditions, and medical history accurately

• Follow medical advice and treatment plans

Education: 

• Understand their learning issues

• Understand the services they need at school

• Advocate for themselves to get the services they need at school

Finances:

• Count money

• Make change

• Keep their money safe so it's not lost or stolen

• Keep a monthly spending budget

• Pay for expenses

Vocational/adult services:

• Apply for services from government agencies (for example, the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services' Vocational Rehabilitation Program)

• Access the services they need, like job training, job support, or day programs

• Advocate for themselves to get the best possible services

Living arrangements:

• Take care of themselves physically

• Buy food, clothing, and shelter

• Live in a group setting and respect other people's need for quiet, privacy, and cleanliness

Legal decision-making:

• Understand what it means to sign documents

• Make sound decisions in important life areas like housing, school, and work

Self-care and safety:

• Use basic safety skills, like staying away from dangerous areas, locking doors, not talking to strangers, and being careful around fires, stoves, candles, etc.

• Get help during emergencies like fires or accidents

Communication: 

• Communicate effectively (verbally or by other means)

• Understand that they have choices

• Express their preferences

Source: Jackins (2010)