Global News

January 18, 2013

Make room in the workplace for people with Autism

The Dandelion Model refers to the value of dandelions as herbs not weeds and similarly disabilities as a potential benefit to the workplace (photo: <a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/hckyso/3838315132/'>HckySo</a>)
The Dandelion Model refers to the value of dandelions as herbs not weeds and similarly disabilities as a potential benefit to the workplace (photo: HckySo)
Jeff is a 19 year old high school grad who spends a whole lot of time playing video games in his mom's basement. He is also autistic and that ease with the computer may be just the thing that will allow him to find meaningful work. Today we look at the employable side of Autism and the entrepreneurs changing the lives of autistic young people by recognizing their potential. 

Make room in the workplace for people with Autism - Specialisterne
According to Autism Society Canada, 200-thousand Canadians are living with an autism spectrum disorder. Some show quite severe symptoms, others hardly any at all. But the chances are you haven't met any of them at work. It's not because they can't handle the work -- often it's because they can't handle job interviews -- or the noise of the workplace.
But there's a growing movement to find jobs that can take advantage of the often remarkable capabilities of autistic people. And a Danish Company is leading the way. Specialisterne specifically hires people on the autism spectrum.
Thorkil Sonne founded the company and this month he's expanding his operations to the U.S. We reached him at his office in Copenhagen... MORE >
cbc radio  |  the current with Anna Maria Tremonti


No comments:

Post a Comment