Idea

Thorkil Sonne’s son was given the diagnosis “infantile autism with normal intelligence” at age 3. This gave Thorkil the chance to get to know a fascinating and vulnerable handicap world.

Thorkil has been behind many of the initiatives in the area of autism and was president of the local chapter of Autism Denmark in the West Zealand County for three years.

Thorkil got to know many adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) – and he wondered why these intelligent young people couldn’t use their energy and skills in the business community, doing what they do best and yearn to do.

Thorkil concluded that out welfare system works best if you have a visible handicap – but lacks much in experience and knowledge when it comes to handling invisible handicaps like ASD.

There was obviously a shortage of job opportunities where people with ASD can meet understanding and support and through that get the opportunity to use their special skills. Thorkil didn’t see enough opportunities within the existing system.

After 15 years in the world of tele-communications Thorkil knew the value of the skills he saw in young people with ASD.