Speaker

Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach and the Principal of Forward Motion Coaching (www.ForwardMotion.info). She specializes in career development coaching for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (autism spectrum disorder) and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. She is the author of the award-winning Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome; the Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide; and Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get & Stay Hired: Career Coaching Strategies for Professionals and Parents of Adults on the Autism Spectrum.

Barbara also offers consultation and training. Finding Employment that Works for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome is a full day seminar for career counselors, vocational rehabilitation and transition specialists. Services for employers include training on how to utilize the talent of individuals on the autism spectrum, and coaching for employees.

Prior to coaching Barbara spent more than 20 years in business, most recently as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for an information services firm. In addition to first-hand experience hiring and managing people at all levels, she understands the challenges of Asperger’s and NLD and focuses on practical strategies for employment success.

Barbara earned a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching from the Massachusetts School Professional Psychology and is certified by Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC).

She has spoken about Asperger’s and employment at Antioch University, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE), Bentley College, Boston University, Bryant University, Career Counselor’s Consortium Northeast, Career Resource Manager’s Association, Central Massachusetts Employer’s Association, College Internship Program, Colleges of the Worcester Consortium (keynote), Community Resources for People with Autism, Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers Conference, Emerson Hospital, Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance Autism Spectrum Disorders Conference, Job Developer’s Network, Katherine Greer Associates, Keene State College Transition to Employment Symposium (keynote), Maple Leaf Center, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Massachusetts Vocational Rehabilitation Commission, Middle Atlantic Career Counseling Association (keynote), National Association of Career Development Professionals, New England Human Resources Association, New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, New York Society of Human Resource Management, Rhode Island Psychological Association, Shriver Job Corp, Wayside Youth and Family Support Services, The Wellness Corporation, Work Without Limits (keynote).

Her articles have been published in AANE Journal, Autism-Asperger’s Digest Magazine, Autism Spectrum News, Career Developments magazine, Insights, Job Training & Placement Report, and the Journal of Employee Assistance.