Specialisterne Celebrates 20 Years
Celebration, Knowledge Sharing & the Future
For two decades, Specialisterne has been a trailblazer for the inclusion of autistic people and their valuable skills in the workforce. We celebrate this with a mini-conference on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Come and join us – and gain insights into the future!
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 2-4 PM (Reception & Networking 4-5 PM)
Location: The Prince’s Mansion (National Museum of Denmark)
Specialisterne Celebrates 20 Years
We are proud of Specialisterne’s journey over the past two decades: from a visionary Danish NGO helping people with autism enter the workforce to a global organization with over 700 employees across 13 countries.
But we are also proud that our knowledge and experience can contribute to the development of the future labor market.
Therefore, we use this celebration to explore how we, together, can create a labor market that accommodates different minds – and discuss why we hesitate to include people who deviate from the norm.
After two hours with exciting guests on stage, there will be time for celebration, conversation, and networking until 5 PM.
We look forward to seeing you!
Carsten Lassen, Director of Specialisterne Denmark
Thorkil Sonne, Founder of Specialisterne
Closed for registration
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 2-4 PM (Reception & Networking 4-5 PM)
Location: The Prince’s Mansion (National Museum of Denmark)
Specialisterne’s event is by invitation only.
What You Can Experience (The program is updated continuously)
Nynne Bjerre
Host Nynne Bjerre invites a series of prominent guests to the stage for curious and insightful conversations about neurodiversity in the workplace:
Carsten Lassen
Carsten Lassen, CEO of Specialisterne Denmark, welcomes you to the celebration of Specialisterne’s 20 years anniversary.
Thorkil Sonne
The founder of Specialisterne, Thorkil Sonne, reflects on 20 years of work with neurodiversity.
Peter Lund Madsen
Neuroscientist Peter Lund Madsen provides us with a deeper understanding of what neurodivergence is.
Brian Mikkelsen
Brian Mikkelsen, Danish Commerce, in debate with Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen and Jakob Brandt on how we can open the labor market for neurodivergent individuals.
Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen
Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Minister of Employment, in debate with Brian Mikkelsen and Jakob Brandt on how we can open the labor market for neurodivergent individuals.
Jakob Brandt
Jakob Brandt, SME Denmark, in debate with Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen and Brian Mikkelsen on how we can open the labor market for neurodivergent individuals.
Liselotte Hyveled
Liselotte Hyveled, Vice President at Novo Nordisk, shares the company’s experiences with integrating neurodivergent employees.
Poornima Luthra
Poornima Luthra, CBS Talented, talks about how crucial culture and mindset are if companies are to succeed with inclusion.
Mette Buhl Christoffersen
Mette Buhl Christoffersen, Strategy Director and D&I Lead at Danske Bank, shares the company’s experiences with integrating neurodivergent employees.
Katja Sandbech
Katja Sandbech, Function Manager at the Danish Tax Agency, shares the company’s experiences with integrating neurodivergent employees.
…And much more!
Our guests are busy, so we are still working hard to get all the calendar pieces perfectly in place. We look forward to telling you about what and who you can experience. The full program will be posted on this page as soon as possible.
Facts About Neurodivergence
- 15% of the population is neurodivergent
- 2-3% of the population are autistic
- 4-5% have ADHD
- 10% of the population is dyslexic
- Despite high potential, 85% of autistic people are either unemployed or employed in positions that do not match their cognitive abilities
- A similar challenge is seen for people with ADHD, where about 66% are outside the labor market
These figures not only highlight the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals but also the immense untapped potential within the group. With the right support and understanding, neurodivergent people can not only participate in the labor market but also thrive and contribute significantly to innovation and growth.
About Specialisterne
Over the past two decades, Specialisterne has been pioneering in integrating autistic people into the labor market. By recognizing and valuing the unique skills that autistic people bring, we have helped companies gain access to valuable employees while giving over 10,000 people something to wake up to. Founded in Denmark in 2004, the philosophy of Specialisterne has now made its way to countries around the world.
Today, Specialisterne has offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, India, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and the USA. Our global expansion attests to the large and growing need to create safe and inclusive environments in workplaces.
Find Your Way to the National Museum of Denmark
If you are coming by car
There are two parking garages within walking distance from the National Museum of Denmark:
BLOX Parking – Vester Voldgade 129, 1552 Copenhagen V.
Industriens Hus (QPark) – HC Andersens Boulevard 18, 1787 Copenhagen V.
If you are coming by public transport
Metro: Gl. Strand (5 minutes walk).
S-train and regional trains: The Central Station (10-15 minutes walk).
Bus 31, 37, and 2A stop at Stormbroen/National Museum of Denmark.
