How to Help Your Exceptional Child Prepare for Life After School

As a former Exceptional Education teacher, I have enjoyed working with special needs students. This is mainly because, unlike in a regular classroom, exceptional students focus on both academics and vocational preparation. Job training and life-skills classes are part of the core curriculum in most Educatable Mentally Handicapped (EMH) and Trainable Mentally Handicapped (TMH) classes; starting in middle school. The goal of these classes is to provide exceptional students with opportunities to introduce them to career possibilities and internships.

While in school, parents can take an active role in their child's career path by being attentive to their child's likes and dislikes. For example, if your child is very dexterous, a job as a grocery bagger or produce clerk may be fulfilling to your son or daughter. It is also wise to ask your child's teacher if he or she notices any particular vocational training activity that you child excels in, and takes a high interest to. Finally, be sure to speak with your child. Ask your son or daughter what career path they would like to do when he or she is older. For a fraction of mentally handicapped students some careers are unattainable, however, reasonable accommodations are possible. A great example is when a child wishes to become a Veterinarian. A student a with moderate to profound mental handicap may not be able to handle the rigors of many years of college, however, a job as a kennel assistant or vet receptionist would still allow a child to feel and become productive, while catering to his or her desire to work with animals.

When career goals are established; it is time to see an internship. Take advantage of summer breaks from school, as your child will not become overwhelmed with the demands of both school and work. It is also important to try to expose your son or daughter as early as possible to their career choice, in case it does not work out and an alternative career path can be explored. Find a business that is willing to work with exceptional employees and see how your child reacts to their new job. If it is promising for both employer and employee, perhaps a mutually beneficial arrangement for the future can be established. On the other hand, if the work is not what your child had desired or other arrangements need to be made, there is always the next school year to learn about other vocational training opportunities. Report back to your child's teacher and let him or her know your child's strengths and weaknesses during the summer internship. This will not only let the teacher know what kinds of careers to help your child focus on, but also work on any skills that may need developing before graduating from school.