1. Forward Motion Coaching Barbara Bissonnette, Principal
Asperger’s Syndrome & Adult Life
AANE, January 20, 2018

2. AANE 2016 Benefits Conference
Who I Am & What I Do
Career development coaching for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and NLD
Consultations for parents
Training for organizations
Employer training, consultations and employee coaching
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

3. Books
The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome (Gold Medal Winner, ForeWord Book Awards)
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 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

4. Background Coaching individuals since 2006
Coaching Certification, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC)
Graduate Certificate, Executive Coaching, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

5. So, What’s Up with the Dandelions?

6. When dandelions pop up in a lawn, we call them weeds; but the spring greens can also make a tasty salad. A similar thing can be said of autistic people — that apparent weaknesses (bluntness and obsessiveness, say) can also be marketable strengths (directness, attention to detail). “Every one of us has the power to decide, do we see a weed, or do we see an herb?”
_Thorkil Sonne, Founder, Specialisterne
and the Specialist People Foundation
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

7. My Clients Range in age from 17 to 63 Across the U.S. and overseas
Entry level to director/professional positions
Majority in competitive employment
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

8. Coaching for Individuals
Find a Job
Right job/career
Resume
Job search plan
Interviewing
Keep a Job
Performance: communica-tion/ EF
Manage career
Disclosure
Whether, when and how
Accommodations
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

9. Coaching Process Goals Action Plan Strategy Barriers
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

10. Addressing Barriers New Skills Resources Action Plan
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

11. Success in Coaching The individual receiving services must:
Want coaching
Devote time & energy to action steps
Be willing to learn new skills/implement new strategies
Commit for a reasonable period of time
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

12. Results
Recent grad w/Master’s of Library Science in danger of losing job. Disclosed and focused on communication skills. Now in a F/T position and living independently.
History major had no interviews 6 months after graduating. Resume revamped, began basic networking: 2 job leads and 3 interviews within 6 weeks.
Accounting professional had >20 interviews and no offers. Did not understand that he needed to describe what he could do for the company. Three weeks after shifting focus, was invited for a second round interview.
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

13. Free Resources Guides Workplace Disclosure Strategies
Getting Hired: A Primer for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome & NLD
Employer’s Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome
Monthly Asperger’s & NLD Career Letter
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

14. Free Coaching Session Complimentary
30-minute session for prospective new clients
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

15. Parent Consultation
Visit my Web site to set up a 60- or 90-minute session
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

16. Contact Information
Barbara Bissonnette, Principal Forward Motion Coaching Greater Boston, MA Tel: ForwardMotion.info Web:
Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching