Abstract

Finding a job is a confusing and anxiety-provoking process for many individuals with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) who may not know what they are qualified to do and may struggle to communicate their value to employers. In this book, Asperger's employment expert Barbara Bissonnette describes exactly what it takes to get hired in the neurotypical workplace.

Every aspect of finding employment is covered, from defining strengths and researching occupations, to marketing oneself and projecting confidence and enthusiasm in interviews. Job-hunters are taught how to develop a personal profile of their talents and skills, their ideal work environment, and important work criteria. They are then shown how to set realistic goals and develop an effective job search plan. There is detailed instruction on networking, including how to find contacts and what to say. A wealth of checklists, templates, sample scripts and written communications accompany the text.

Upfront, engaging and highly practical, this will be an essential guide for individuals with AS entering the workforce for the first time, as well as experienced workers who have lost jobs or wish to change careers but are uncertain about how to find the best match for their abilities.

Although she is not herself on the spectrum, Barbara Bissonnette has demonstrated that she understands the challenges that autism brings. The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger's Syndrome addresses key job-hunting concerns that spectrumites have, from interviewing and personal presentation, to building confidence, maintaining motivation and managing anxiety. The book is a great addition to the other career guides for those on the spectrum already out there, and builds on what has come before.
Yvona Fast, Support Groups Manager, GRASP, and author of Employment for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability: Stories and Strategies

*Gold Medal Winner in the 2012 Foreword Book of the Year Awards - Adult Nonfiction - Career Category*

'It takes a logical view of how to identify the right job or career for someone with particular skills and interests but also particular social and communication difficulties, and then takes us through a series of sensible and achievable steps on the road to achieving that job or career goal... The book is incredibly thorough but very clear, and is in no way patronising or "preachy". Instead, it seeks to give a wealth of practical advice, backed up by real-life anonymised examples from Barbara Bissonnette's extensive experience in coaching and mentoring. This makes it both personal and accessible, and brings her excellent resources to life... She has a real understanding of the challenges people with social and communication disorders can face, and sets out practical strategies for facing them. All in all an excellent resource for seeking a professional job or career.'

Afasic News
Barbara Bissonnette has written the book we have all been waiting for - one to help college students on the spectrum with the post-graduation employment search. Bissonnette presents strategies for students with AS to comprehend the very social, non-verbal world of interviews and colleague interactions. She gives us sample emails, conversation starters, forms, and detailed checklists, just what we need to increase the percentage of employed people on the spectrum. Plain talk about the interview process, translation of interview questions, and how to negotiate this difficult phase of the job search will be this book's gift to the reader. Thank you Barbara.
Jane Thierfeld Brown, EdD, Co-Director, College Autism Spectrum and Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale Child Study
From determining career options, locating positions, presentation of self in media, written form, and interviews, to appropriate disclosure, this book is packed to the brim with suggestions, tips, worksheets, lists, and just plain old great advice. While perfectly tuned to those with Asperger's syndrome searching for employment, this book will be helpful to anyone looking for a job.
Stephen Shore, Ed.D., Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University, and internationally renowned author, consultant, and presenter on issues related to the autism spectrum
In today's times, no one can guarantee employment. But Barbara Bissonnette's book provides thorough instruction to young spectrum adults. Her readers will be well-prepared and ahead of many others when those employment opportunities arise.
Michael John Carley, Executive Director, GRASP and author of Asperger's From the Inside-Out
Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach and the Principal of Forward Motion Coaching. She specializes in career development coaching for adults with Asperger's Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder. She also provides training and consultation to employers. Prior to this, 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. She holds a graduate certificate in executive coaching from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and is certified by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Barbara is the author of the Asperger's Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical's Secrets for Success. She lives in Stow, Massachusetts.
Barbara Bissonnette has a unique understanding and vast experience with working with individuals with Asperger's syndrome in employment. Her book is a critical asset for career counselors, teachers and parents assisting young adults to obtain and keep employment taking into account the environmental, sensory and social fit for each individual. This is a must read and I highly recommend it.
Michael P. McManmon, EdD, founder of the College Internship Program and author of Made for Good Purpose: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Help Their Adolescent with Asperger's, High Functioning Autism or a Learning Difference Become an Independent Adult
Bissonnette's guide is a solid resource to assist advisors and career counselors when mentoring students with Asperger's through a job search process... I would recommend that academic advisors read this book if they have limited experience or training working with students with Asperger's. The complete guide is an easy and quick read providing useful information.
NACADA Journal
This book is a real gem. Barbara Bissonnette presents a step-by-step, practical guide for individuals with Asperger syndrome and related social communication challenges. Barbara has distilled into print much of the wise and sensitive advice that she has provided to clients over the years. I recommend her guide enthusiastically to individuals with AS, as well as those who counsel them.
Teresa Bolick, PhD, BCBA-D, licensed psychologist, author, and speaker
Bissonnette has created a handbook to guide adults with AS through the job search process and help them secure successful employment. Her step-by-step approach details the processes of researching different careers, networking, and interviewing, and addresses new employment dos and don'ts.... Bissonnette understands the unique difficulties those with AS face when confronting a task involving many components and unfamiliar situations. Included are checklists, worksheets, and additional resources for further reading.... A must read for those with AS who are entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or just looking for a job.
Library Journal
An excellent resource for anyone with ASD that needs help choosing a career, finding a job or managing the social complexities in the workplace. Author Barbara Bissonnette is an expert on her topic and has written a book with so much great advice, it should be required reading for anyone that is having a tough time finding a job or facing challenges at work. Parents of adult children with ASD will find the book's information extremely valuable in their own efforts to support ther adult child in the workplace....If you have ASD and are just starting your job search, looking for a job for more than 6 months or have been fired from numerous jobs over the last few years, this book was written for you!
WrongPlanet.net
In my experience Barbara Bissonnette is a unique individual. She is a neurotypical who really - and I mean really - understands Asperger syndrome. Her ability to talk the Spectrumite language whilst retaining the objectivity of a dispassionate observer enables her to provide genuine, incisive expertise, and support as a specialist career development coach in the field of Asperger syndrome.
Malcolm Johnson, author of Managing with Asperger Syndrome