In Chapter 8, the importance of valuing passions was explored. Too often, the child with Asperger's Syndrome has passions that others disdain or squelch as insignificant, unworthy, or “obsessions.” However, building upon passions is a viable bridge to future employment opportunities. Start by fostering (and valuing) your child's passions early. As Temple Grandin, a prominent self-advocate and author, has stated, “People respect talent.” Implicit in this statement is the idea that if your child misses the mark socially, an outstanding talent will likely compensate for such shortcomings.

While your child is in middle school, start to have the typical discussions you'd have with any of your children about what she might consider doing “when she grows up.” If your child hasn't already been vocal about what she envisions herself doing in the future, you might suggest it based upon your own observations of her strengths, gifts, talents, and passions. Through these dialogues with your child, you may draw out even greater detail from her; remember that some passions may be deceptive at face value and require some deciphering to tease out the true interest they represent.

If your child enjoys configuring numbers and playing number games, those abilities might translate into accounting or data analysis. If your child spends endless hours drawing favorite cartoon characters, creating comic books, and the like, might a job as an illustrator, animator, or computer graphic artist be in her future? If your child devours books and is knowledgeable about various authors or a variety of subjects, a library science career might be a possibility. In which directions does your child naturally lean by virtue of her unique abilities and unusual problem-solving perspectives?

Your child's school psychologist or guidance counselor should be a resource to you in narrowing the possibilities in order to explore them with your child (not that she needs to feel “locked” into anything years in advance). Together you may wish to gather additional information by looking up the possible vocations on the Internet or at the local library. Request your school district to complete a vocational assessment of your child's academic abilities. If your child has an individualized transition plan as part of her educational supports, this information should be woven into such a plan to ensure consistency in future planning. Some schools are open to looking at creative strategies such as hiring a job coach or mentor during the time your child is in school — if it is written into her Individualized Education Program.