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

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

3.  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

4.  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

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

6.  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

7.  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

8. NEUROTYPICALASPERGIAN Copyright 2014, Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

9.  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

10.  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

11.  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

12. 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

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

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

15.  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

16.  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

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

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

19.  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

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

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

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

23. 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