Lunch & Learn: Coaching Individuals on the Autism Spectrum to Employment Success
About this event
CCEUs: 0.5 in Core Competencies
and 0.5 in Resource Development
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: Noon - 1:00pm PT
Many individuals on the autism spectrum – including those with college degrees – struggle to choose the right job or career and get hired. Coaching has much to offer if you understand how to adapt traditional models to the needs of this neurodivergent population.
This presentation offers practical strategies for guiding these clients to manageable employment.
You will learn:
* How autism impacts adults in the workplace.
* Communication, executive function and sensory processing challenges.
* Strengths associated with those on the spectrum.
* Assessing coaching readiness, building rapport and creating realistic action plans.
The presenter shares insight developed during her work with more than 1,500 clients. The emphasis is on assisting individuals seeking competitive (not sheltered or heavily supported) employment.
Event Contact: Wendy Green
Director of Program Development
directorprogramdevelopment@icfsacramento.org
Speaker: Barbara Bissonnette
Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach and the Principal of Forward Motion Coaching Inc. She provides career development and job coaching for individuals on the autism spectrum (Asperger’s and similar profiles) and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. She also offers consultation and training for professionals and employers. Barbara earned a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching from the Massachusetts School Professional Psychology and is certified by Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
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 is the author of the The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome, a 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Gold Medal winner. The Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical’s Secrets for Success was released in 2013; and Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get & Stay Hired: Career Coaching Strategies for Professionals and Parents of Adults on the Autism Spectrum was published in December, 2014. Her articles have been published in AANE Journal, Autism-Asperger’s Digest Magazine, Autism Family Online, Autism Spectrum News, Career Developments magazine, Insights, Job Training & Placement Report, and the Journal of Employee Assistance. She publishes the monthly Asperger’s & NLD Career Letter, with tips on how to find a job and maintain employment. The newsletter is free of charge.
Location
Zoom link to follow
USA
Registration Info
Registration has closed - Event is past
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Cancellation Policy:
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