Practice PROMISING PRACTICES The Specialisterne Story

by Mark Katz, PhD

A QUESTION FOR VISIONARIES in the determine how motivation, skill sets, and ADHD community: Are there lessons to be workability match up with specific work- learned from the Specialisterne experience related tasks. In Denmark, the program is that can also help provide new opportuni- generally available to people with ties for adults with ADHD and other learn- who need to learn more about themselves ing challenges? and their opportunities in the labor mar- A consultancy company based in Co- ket. This means that employment in Spe- penhagen, Denmark, Specialisterne pro- cialisterne is not a goal in itself. As such, vides a range of services to high-tech only one in six of those assessed for em- firms throughout the country. What’s ployment as consultants are hired by Spe- commence in April 2013. It formed its first unique about the company is that high- cialisterne Denmark. In other countries, a corporate partnership with CAI, a Dela- functioning adults on the autism spec- more targeted selection of trainees means ware-based mid-size information technol- trum comprise its workforce. Many of the that the percentage of trainees ending up ogy firm that sees the value of accessing the employees also have ADHD or ADD as an in a job is higher. skill sets of people with high functioning additional diagnosis. Their unique charac- Specialisterne also operates a three-year autism. Other U.S. corporate partnerships teristics, considered liabilities in other situ- education program in Denmark for young are in the works. ations, provide them with an advantage at adults. Participants have included not only Sonne’s vision has gained worldwide Specialisterne. young adults on the , but attention and recognition. At the World The company was started in 2003 by also some impacted by other challenges as Economic Forum in Tianjin, China, in Thorkil Sonne, a former technical director well, including ADD or ADHD, obsessive September 2012, he was one of twenty-six in the telecommunications industry, and compulsive disorder, and Tourette syn- individuals who received a global entre- the father of Lars, a child with high-func- drome. In addition to teaching traditional preneurship award. Sonne was also invited tioning autism. Thorkil was often amazed school subjects, the program focuses on to the World Economic Forum in Davos, by Lars’ unique strengths, quirky perhaps teaching social and behavioral skills and Switzerland, where he had the opportunity to others, but very much in line with the works closely with Specialisterne’s busi- to engage with potential global partners. strengths that he looked for when hiring ness partners to provide students with Readers interested in learning more about employees. For example, Lars excelled at internships and other hands-on work the Specialist People Foundation are encour- tasks requiring acute attention to visual experiences. aged to visit specialistpeople.com to find detail. He also could on activi- recent news stories, audio broadcasts, and ties in which others would eventually lose The Dandelion Model television coverage. The website also gives interest. Thorkil knew these skills were Specialisterne’s business principles are information about Specialisterne’s plans for important to workers who perform such based on the Dandelion Model, which expansion around the United States. important functions as data entry or test- promotes an environment where workers Are there lessons to be learned from the ing software programs for hard-to-find er- on the autism spectrum feel wanted, and Specialisterne experience that can ben- rors at high-tech companies. He also knew where their contributions are recognized efit adults impacted by ADHD and other that companies fortunate enough to have and valued. The dandelion seed is the com- learning challenges? We want to hear your employees skilled in these areas had an ad- pany’s logo and a metaphor symbolizing its thoughts. Sonne believes that if his son vantage over their competitors. vision. To some, the dandelion is viewed had been diagnosed with a condition other So, in 2003 Sonne started a company as an annoying weed. But those who look than autism—with ADHD, for example— that hires high-functioning adults on the deeper see that when cultivated, the dande- he would have started a similar company in autism spectrum, who then consult with lion, known for its healing and medicinal another business area. As he puts it, “It’s all different high-tech firms throughout properties, is among the most useful plants a matter of mindset—like seeing the dan- Denmark. The company’s name, Speciali- in nature. delion as an herb rather than a weed.” ●A sterne, is Danish for “the specialists.” Since Sonne’s dream is to create one million beginning operations, Sonne has received jobs for people with autism and similar A clinical and consulting psychologist, Mark requests from others around the world in- challenges worldwide. To help translate Katz is the director of Learning Development terested in replicating Specialisterne. They, that dream into reality he started the Spe- Services, an educational, psychological, and too, believe it makes good economic sense. cialist People Foundation, a nonprofit or- neuropsychological center located in San Specialisterne evaluates the skill sets of ganization that partners with corporations Diego. He is a contributing editor to Attention potential employees through a three- to and businesses around the world interested magazine and a member of its editorial five-month assessment process. Potential in replicating Specialisterne. In June 2012, advisory board, a former member of CHADD’s employees are taken through a variety of the foundation opened its headquarters professional advisory board, and a recipient of SHUTTERSTOCK exercises and work-related situations to in Wilmington, Delaware. Operations will the CHADD Hall of Fame Award.

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