Forward Motion Coaching Barbara Bissonnette Principal Aspergers Syndrome

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

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

Books �The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome (Gold Medal Winner, Fore. Word 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

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

So, What’s Up with the Dandelions?

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? ” Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion _ Coaching Thorkil Sonne, Founder, Specialisterne

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

Coaching for Individuals Find a Job Keep a Job • Right job/career • Resume • Job search plan • Interviewing • Performanc e: communication/ EF • Manage career Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching Disclosure • Whether, when and how • Accommodati ons

Coaching Process Goal s Actio n Plan Barrier s Strate gy Copyright 2018 Barbara

Addressing Barriers New Skills Resour ces Action Plan Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion

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 Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

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 Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching company. Three weeks after shifting focus,

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 Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching

Free Coaching Session Complimentary 30 -minute session for prospective new clients Copyright 2018 Barbara

Parent Consultation �Visit my Web site to set up a 60 - or 90

Contact Information Barbara Bissonnette, Principal Forward Motion Coaching Greater Boston, MA Tel: 617 -690 -2127 Email: Barbara@ Forward. Motion. info Web: www. Forward. Motion. info Copyright 2018 Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching