Employment and the Autism Spectrum: Vocational Guidance for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome Barbara Bissonnette, Principal, Forward Motion Coaching IAEVG Conference, 6  5  14, Quebec City, Quebec

Employment: A Timely Topic Almost half of young adults with autism who are employed earn < $7.25 /hour; work < 20 hours per week In 2009, 33% of young adults with autism had jobs vs. 59% of all young adults with disabilities (Source: Standifer, W. Scott (2011) Fact Sheet on Autism Employment. University of Missouri, Disability Policy & Studies) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

About Me Barbara Bissonnette, Principal, Forward Motion Coaching Career development coaching for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Consultation and training for organizations ▫Finding Employment that Works for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome: training seminar for professionals Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

My Books 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 (Dec. 2014) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Today’s Topics What is Asperger’s Syndrome How Asperger’s Impacts Employment Guiding Individuals to the Right Job or Career Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

What is Asperger’s Syndrome? (autism spectrum disorder) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

The Autism Spectrum is Broad Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Heterogeneous Population Individuals vary widely in their abilities, challenges, need of support Don’t all experience the same symptoms, to the same degree Some have trouble with entry-level jobs; others earn $100k+ ▫Same patterns of difficulties Majority of my clients seeking/in competitive employment Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Asperger’s or Autism? In the DSM-5, Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer an official diagnosis Now autism spectrum disorder  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) In the ICD-10: International Statistical Classifications of Diseases (World Health Organization) Asperger’s is a separate diagnosis Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Basic Diagnostic Criteria Social interaction ▫Reciprocal relationships Communication ▫Pragmatics ▫Nonverbal communication Restricted/repetitive patterns behavior, interests, activities (e.g. reliance on routines, special interests, sensory reactivity) Copyright 2012, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

A Different Hardwiring of the Brain Neurotypical Asperger’s Syndrome.. Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Communication: Perspective Taking Inferring what other people are thinking/feeling Recognizing situational context Interpreting nonverbal communication Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Nonverbal Communication & Context Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

The Search for Meaning (big picture) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Summary: Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome Have Difficulty Initiating interpersonal interaction with others Quickly recognizing situational context and adjusting their behavior accordingly Recognizing and interpreting nonverbal communication (internal states of others; implied expectations) Coping with novel situations (prefer routines) Focus on parts, not the whole (miss the big picture or “gist” of a situation) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Impact of Asperger’s at Work Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Primary Impact at Work Interpersonal communication Sensory processing Managing time and resources Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Communication Challenges Literal: miss implied expectations; humor/ sarcasm Too honest and direct ▫Unintentionally offend others Black & white thinking Difficulty engaging with others ▫Eye contact, small talk ▫Working on a team Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Sensory Processing May be hyper- or hypo-sensitive to noise, odors, sights, tactile sensations Auditory processing problems Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Restricted Interests/Routines Difficulty adapting to change Focusing on too few details, or the wrong details ▫Misunderstanding the nature on an occupation Rigid adherence to routines ▫E.g. not working overtime, ever Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Executive Function Challenges Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Executive Function Difficulty Unsure of how to begin tasks Poor concept of time (e.g. how long task will/should take) Poor short-term (working) memory Reduced ability to plan and prioritize Reduced ability to multitask Keeps doing what isn’t working Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

If There are EF Problems Avoid occupations that require speed, multitasking, dealing with novel situations, organizational ability Job seekers will need assistance planning activities, following up, etc. Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Finding the Right Fit

In a World of Multitasking Generalists… …these are the technicians, specialists & experts Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Strengths of the ‘Asperger Mind’ * Logical and analytic * Detail oriented * Accurate, methodical * Focused * Specialized expertise * Creative * Loyal * Tolerant of routine Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

No “Short List” of Right Jobs Technical writer Creative writer Editor Production manager Graphic artist Commercial artist Teacher Physicist Supply chain manager Sales manager Nurse Librarian Skilled trades Warehouse Computer programmer Engineer Data entry Accountant Lawyer Paralegal Admin assistant Retail sales associate Physician Meteorologist Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Four Factors Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching 1. Interests 2. Skills 3. Work Environment 4. Impact of AS

1. Interests Special interests do not necessarily translate into gainful employment Be mindful of restricted interests in autism. Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Probe Interests What does the individual envision himself doing on the job? Interest doesn’t equal capability ▫What are the tasks? ▫What skills are required? Match to realities of local job market Individual’s important work criteria Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

The Direct Path May Be the Best Path Consider college degrees that prepare the individual for a specific job Vocational programs Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

2. Talents and Skills Abilities and skills that can be reasonably acquired Neuropsychological evaluation Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

3. Work Environment At least some elements of routine Structure; clear performance expectations Minimal interruptions/multitasking Supportive co-workers Not too much pressure Quiet workspace/minimal distractions Right level of social interaction Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

4. Personal Impact of AS Two categories of limitations ▫Those that can be mitigated  Learn/develop skills  Assistive technology  Accommodations ▫Those that can’t be changed  Steer individuals away from jobs that would be difficult or impossible Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Working with these Students/Clients Copyright 2012, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Establish Rapport Frame AS as different brain processing Be the bridge to the neurotypical (NT) world ▫Fitting in does not mean changing who you are ▫How would an NT interpret words/actions Acknowledge and validate their point of view ▫Others do not see how hard the person works Frame change as an experiment Copyright 2012, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Be Specific Break tasks into small steps Write it down! Check for understanding Avoid jargon and abstract concepts e.g. Don’t talk about “branding” Practice, practice, practice Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Resistance or Asperger’s? Looks away; doesn’t smile ▫Not aware of nonverbal communication Poor follow through ▫Tasks too large ▫Steps not clear ▫Literal interpretation ▫Can’t remember verbal instructions ▫Anxiety ▫Doesn’t know why task is important Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Resistance, or Asperger’s (con’t) Silence; every answer is, “I don’t know” ▫Person really doesn’t know what to say or how to do something Rejects every suggestion ▫Rigid thinking ▫Perseveration ▫Discomfort with change Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Career Research & Job Search Focus on actual jobs in field: tasks, skills, work environment Help individual see options Do not assume s/he can translate information from books/Web sites to his situation Control the flow of information Choose manageable job search activities Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Career Research & Job Search Recognize that interviewing is a BIG social event! Many unspoken expectations ▫Greeting the interviewer  Look at person, shake hands, SMILE ▫Small talk in the elevator ▫Knowing where to sit ▫Knowing when to leave Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Career Research & Job Search Explain the meaning of interview questions For job seekers: ▫Clarify exact job titles, industries, location ▫Decode the language of postings  19 months vs. 2 years experience  Required vs. preferred  Multitasking and “good people skills” Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Creating Employment Opportunities

Businesses are Utilizing Specialist Skills SAP AG: international software corporation ▫By 2020, 1% of workforce will be individuals on autism spectrum ▫Software testing, documentation, business process analysts ▫Not a charitable initiative  Filling STEM positions Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Collaboration Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Summary Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Employment & Asperger’s Encourage thorough career research Look at an individuals interests, abilities, right work environment and impact of AS Consider post-secondary training that prepares person for a specific occupation Educate employers about utilizing strengths Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Free Resources from Forward Motion Coaching Employer’s Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Disclosure Strategies for Individuals w/ Asperger’s Syndrome Getting Hired: Strategies for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome Asperger’s & NLD Career Letter (monthly newsletter w/ employment topics) Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Contact Information Barbara Bissonnette, Principal Forward Motion Coaching  In-person & telephone coaching   Training & consultations  Stow, MA Tel: Web: Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching