Autism at Work - Communication and Workplace Relationships

About this course

A Certificate of Completion for 2.5 hours professional development will be available for you to download upon completion of this course.

Effective workplace communication and interpersonal relationships with co-workers are considered as a critical elements in maintaining a happy working environment. Many of the “soft skills” required in a typical environment place value on small talk, eye contact, body language, socialising, being confident, and being yourself. This places enormous stress upon autistic and neurodivergent people, that can leave them feeling confused, challenged, and anxious at having to navigate the multitude of workplace social nuances. This can result in alienation, misunderstandings, and potential job loss.

This presentation provides valuable insights, tools and strategies on how to navigate the workplace social expectations, implement inclusive practices and adopt collaborative approaches for autistic and neurodivergent people, co-workers, workplace supervisors and management, employers, employment agencies, parents, teachers and support staff.

This event may be claimable for Self & Plan Managed NDIS Participants. Please check with your plan manager/LAC.

About the Presenters

Barb Cook, M.Aut.(Ed), Dip.HSc.(Nut)

Developmental Educator, Integrative Nutritionist & Adult ADHD Coach

Barb is a registered Developmental Educator and an Autism and Neurodiversity Employment Consultant and Life Coach for neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism and dyslexia). Barb holds a Master of Autism (education) degree with focus on employment from the University of Wollongong, where she was a researcher and co-project lead in the area of self-determination and self-advocacy for adults on the autism spectrum.

Barb has extensive experience in working with adults on the autism spectrum and ADHD, in creating pathways in attaining life goals in the areas of self-determination and self-advocacy, education, employment, health and interpersonal relationships.

Barb is founder of the Neurodiversity Hub in Gympie Queensland, a space providing allied health services for neurodivergent people, including one-on-one support, therapeutic groups, workshops and presentations and an informal space to meet.

Barb is Director and Founder of NeuroEmploy Pty Ltd, a company providing a variety of neurodiversity specific educational and training programs for neurodivergent individuals, workplace staff, management and businesses.

Barb is internationally recognised for her bestselling book on autism in women, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism with Dr Michelle Garnett, filling the gap in literature between lived experience of autistic women and the clinical knowledge. Barb’s second best-selling book co-authored with Yenn Purkis, The Autism and Neurodiversity Self-Advocacy Handbook: Developing Skills to Determine Your Own Future, is an essential guidebook that gives you the tools and strategies to advocate for yourself in any situation, developing your skills in standing up for yourself, your needs and wishes. Recently, Barb's third book, Planning Your Career Through Intense Interests co-authored with Yenn Purkis was released to assist young autistic adults on their career pathways.

Barb is founder of Spectrum Women Magazine and is a prolific writer on autism, ADHD and neurodivergence and employment and is published in academic research.

Barb is a highly sought-after international speaker and presents on a variety of topics related to women, autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity. Barb spoke at the World Autism Organisation Congress 2018 in Houston Texas and 2019, and was invited by the United States government to keynote a special event “A Woman’s Voice: Understanding Autistic Needs” for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIHM) in Washington DC, USA.

Barb identifies as neurodivergent, being formally diagnosed mid-life with ADHD, Autism and dyslexia in 2009, and promotes a strength-based and person-centred approach in her life and work.

Barb is a passionate motorcyclist, and enjoys riding the love of her life, Ron Strom Burgundy, a Suzuki VStrom DL1000, who assists her with good self-care and an effective anxiety reducing and depression busting practice.

Visit www.neurodiversityhub.com/barb-cook/ and www.barbcook.com.au to learn more about Barb Cook.