About Us
Specialisterne is an internationally recognized leader in harnessing the talents of people on the autism spectrum, or with similar neurodiversities, by providing them with the opportunity to sustain meaningful employment. Originally founded in Denmark by Thorkil Sonne, Specialisterne now operates in twelve countries around the world.
For over a decade, Specialisterne has developed hiring and management practices to help increase the neurodiversity of the global workforce. We are working to prove the business value in hiring people who think and communicate differently and initiate meaningful careers.
Specialisterne Canada Inc. is a charitable not-for-profit Canadian organization focused on services for employers, employees, as well as outreach and public education. We are closely aligned with our partner, Specialisterne Foundation (SPF) in Denmark, and its affiliates around the globe. The shared goal of these organizations is to enable one million jobs worldwide for people on the autism spectrum and similar neurodiversities.
Our goal in Canada is 25 thousand jobs.
WHY DO WE HIRE PEOPLE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM?
The autistic population is an underestimated, under‐utilized resource in Canada, rich in individuals with tremendous skills in (and unique perspectives of) art, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and more. Cultivating this talent and matching it with meaningful work is not only the right thing to do for the people, but is crucial to keeping Canadian businesses at the front lines of innovation.
For a more detailed report on the socio-economic value of Specialisterne’s model, see our most recent third party reviewed social impact analysis from Denmark.