Barbara Bissonnette

Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach and the principal of Forward Motion Coaching Inc., where she leads a nationally recognized practice focused on career development and workplace advocacy for neurodivergent individuals. Bissonnette specializes in career coaching for individuals on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger's syndrome and nonverbal learning disorder. Her background includes more than 20 years in business, with experience as vice president of marketing and sales for an information services firm. This corporate experience informs her approach to employment services and neurodiversity in the workplace.

Bissonnette 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. Her practice serves a broad range of clients, including job seekers and individuals navigating workplace challenges related to autism and neurodiversity.

Bissonnette is the author of three books: "The Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger's Syndrome," which received the ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Gold Medal; "The Asperger's Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical's Secrets for Success"; and "Helping Adults with Asperger's Syndrome Get & Stay Hired: Career Coaching Strategies for Professionals and Parents of Adults on the Autism Spectrum." Her articles have appeared in publications such as AANE Journal, Autism-Asperger's Digest Magazine, Autism Spectrum News, Career Developments magazine, and Journal of Employee Assistance.

Bissonnette provides consultation and training for organizations seeking to support employees with autism spectrum disorders and related social, communication, and executive function challenges. Her professional development seminar, "Finding Employment that Works for Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome/Autism," is designed for career counselors, disability services providers, vocational rehabilitation and transition specialists, and job developers. She also developed an Asperger's/Autism Employment Coach Certification program, which includes live online instruction and a supervised practicum.

Bissonnette has presented on autism and employment at institutions including Harvard Medical School, Boston University, Antioch University, and Bentley College, and has delivered keynote addresses for organizations such as Colleges of the Worcester Consortium and the Middle Atlantic Career Counseling Association. She publishes the monthly Asperger's & NLD Career Letter, offering guidance on job search and employment retention. Through her writing, speaking, coaching, and training, Bissonnette is recognized for her expertise in autism spectrum employment and neurodiversity in the workplace.