The Three-Letter Word: J-O-B.

Okay, so your child with autism, Bipolar 1 or 2, ADHD, what have you, becomes of age where you need a break. Translated to: Your child needs a job. Now, if your child is unable to work because their condition is too severe, then this does not apply, but if you have a high-functioning child with Asperger's, BP1/2 or that sort of thing, then eventually they need skills to get a job. For people who are not very independent and don't like making decisions, state career help is usually available. Disclaimer: I am still in the process of researching mental health laws and help and such for countries NOT the United States, where I am, and it is taking me longer than usual. Sometime soon I will be posting a country-specific post for my foreign readers. If your child is like me, however, they wouldn't accept help from the state because honestly US-based state career programs like the Department of Rehabilitation(which I have worked with multiple times) kind of choose what they think you'll be good at and don't really put your passions into account.You need to work in your strengths. Marcus Buckingham (watch all video sessions, there's six) says that as you grow older you do not become stronger in your weaknesses. This is key because if you don't choose an ultimate career path that you love, ESPECIALLY if you have mental disabilities, you will hate your life and for those that have depressive or even suicidal tendencies this WILL make it worse. Case in point, I worked at Walmart for a week and a half during Christmas rush before having a mental breakdown and quitting on the spot. I HATED it and I knew it was bad when I got the job because I could feel I had no passion for it.Now, I am not saying that your children have license to mooch off you while they are pursuing their dreams. Dreams are good but as I have been told many times, a job can be good too. Case in point, I have been told by many people I have a talent for writing. So, I go on every website I can find that lists writing positions and I apply for everything I could even remotely be qualified for. The thing is, if they like you, it may not matter that you don't have the specific degree or major. Yet again, please do NOT let your child apply for a job that they are clearly not qualified for. The right job is one that they are mostly or fully qualified for that does not cause undue mental harm. That is the only qualification a part-time job needs because there is a time where even the disabled child needs to become an adult. I learned this over Christmas at 23 when I realized I wasn't going to start school right away.So what is the moral here? Teach your child to be independent with a job, but do not send them to a job that will cause them mental harm because "It's a job." That is a LAME reason to have a job, even if you are not disabled. If you are disabled, it could lead to ugly things you don't want to deal with as a parent. And above all BE PATIENT, because the right job may not come along right away.God bless, and Happy New Year :)