Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

2
Guiding Star Point Two: Learn System Basics
Why Learn About Systems?
Every day, you probably encounter many different systems. A system is just any group of people
and things that are organized to operate together. Schools, religious communities (such as
churches), health centers, youth organizations, and social agencies are all types of systems. Each
system has its own language, its own way of doing things, and people who take on different jobs
(sometimes called roles) as part of that system.
To change the conversation about your future, you will need to talk
with people in one or more systems about your strengths and
concerns. You will need to use your own voice to find the right
help. However, for this part of the conversation, you will need to
learn some of that system’s key (important) words and typical
ways of getting things done. It’s kind of like going to a foreign
country. To find your way around, you must learn to speak a bit of the
language, understand the important rules of the place, meet some people,
and find out how they can help you. Once you have that basic knowledge,
you can feel a lot more confident looking for what you need.
Key Words Open Doors
Change
the
conversation
Your everyday life may be affected by many systems: medical, mental health, social welfare,
education, transportation, housing, etc. Every system has key words that people use to exchange
important information and decide whether someone is eligible to get services. Those key words
really do open doors! However, different systems use the same words to mean different types
of procedures, or ways of doing things. For example, the term evaluation (a conclusion—usually
some kind of report—on a situation’s causes and what needs to be done) can mean one thing in
a medical center, but mean a very different procedure in a school system. That is one more reason
why it’s important to learn the system basics that affect you.
Part One: Medical and Behavioral Systems
For young adults who may have issues with behavior or development, medical and behavioral
assessments are important first steps to getting to services. (What this means: If you have
concerns about your thoughts, feelings, or actions toward yourself or others, you should talk to
a provider about getting a medical and behavioral assessment.) An assessment documents
(provides information or proof in your records) that you have certain conditions or needs. For
example, it may document that you need special support when you attend college or begin a
training program after high school. It may document that you need transportation supports (help
getting from place to place, such as a bus pass or transportation voucher) or mobility supports
(help getting around, such as a wheelchair or walker). It may document that you need special
services to find and maintain a job. Even if you have been diagnosed before, or have had a
diagnosis for a long time, you may need to be tested again. It’s important to be open to re-testing,
because your body and brain change as you grow. Also, you may need re-testing to qualify for
benefits in some adult systems, such as Social Security.
14