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Illness & disability

Home Illness & disability Becoming independent

Becoming independent

Being independent means that you are able to rely on yourself to act and make choices. Becoming independent is a process that happens over a time. In fact, this process starts well before you become an adult and will keep going on even after you are an adult. Being independent, even as an adult, doesn’t mean you won’t need help sometimes. For instance, you may need help carrying groceries or caring for yourself if you get sick.

Keep in mind that becoming independent doesn’t happen automatically. You can do things to help develop your independence and plan for your future.

Helpful Tools

• Read about gaining independence as a teen with a neuromuscular disease or other chronic condition.

Content last updated October 21, 2009

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