Barbara Bissonnette, Principal Forward Motion Coaching Raise the Bar HIRE! 2014 Conference and Career Fair; October 30, 2014

 Career Development Coaching for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome  Training & Consultations for Employers  Employer-Sponsored Coaching Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome  Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical’s Secrets for Success  Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get & Stay Hired, Career Coaching Strategies for Professionals and Parents of Adults on the Autism Spectrum Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Prevalence rate of autism: 1 in 50 (Centers for Disease Control, 2013)  85% of people on autism spectrum are un- or under-employed (popular estimate)  ~ 50% of young adults who are employed earn less than $7.25 per hour and work less than 20 hours per week Source: Standifer, W. Scott (2011) Fact Sheet on Autism Employment. University of Missouri, Disability Policy & Studies Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Kanner’s Autism The Autism Spectrum Asperger’s Syndrome Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Early DX and services beginning in grade school make college possible for many more individuals  Yet even those with 4-year degrees face significant challenges getting hired Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Individuals are at a distinct disadvantage  Most people find jobs through networking  Employers place a high value on teamwork Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

NEUROTYPICALASPERGIAN Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Literal  Difficulty adjusting to situational context  Difficulty engaging with others  Eye contact, smiling, small talk  Understanding the perspective of others Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Abstract  Difficulty being direct  Don’t say what they mean  Focus on the wrong details  Eye contact, smiling, small talk Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Standard interview protocols do not match how these individuals think  We ask Aspergians to do all of the adjusting  Meet these job candidates half way Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Logical and analytic Deep knowledge of narrow subject area Detail oriented (data driven vs. conceptual processing) Accurate & methodical Focused Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Not social savvy  Individual may be very interested in the job, but not show it Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Which would an Aspergian choose? I work best:  In a group/team  On my own * Source : Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Instead of: “Why should I choose you over the other candidates?”  Ask: “What are 3 reasons that you believe you are the right person for the job?” Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Ask questions related to strengths  E.g. What is your experience using that software; explain how you die-cut the parts  Avoid questions related to weaknesses  Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Rephrase the question/give an example  Allow person to show/draw steps Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Patience  Flexibility  Open-mindedness (from you!) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 SAP AG  Goal: by 2020, 1% of workforce will be individuals on the autism spectrum  Successful pilots: software testers, programmers and QA specialists  Need is for smart, skilled individuals to fill openings in STEM occupations Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Partners with local department of vocational rehabilitation  Recruit candidates  Provides supports  Trainer  Job coach  Mentor Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Start small  Educated human resources and hiring managers  Partner with local organizations Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

 Informational handout: creating employment opportunities  Employer’s Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome is available in PDF format Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Kristin Archambault: Adult w/ Asperger’s Peter Breen: Adult with Asperger’s Carla Brigham: AANE LifeMAP coach Marc Senia and Joe Wendover: Walgreens Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching