# Specialisterne: leveraging the unique skills of Autistics at competitive market terms

**URL:** <https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245>\
**Category:** Lounge\
**Created:** [May 10, 2011, 7:15am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245 "2011-05-10T07:15:27Z")\
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**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2012, 6:35pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/142 "2012-06-07T18:35:11Z")

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Niche Construction for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

> [@](#):
>
> …Since neurodiversity is basically an ecological conception, I’ve used the evolutionary term ‘niche construction’ (e.g. a spider spinning a web, a beaver building a dam etc.) to designate the process of building environmental supports to help negatively labeled individuals lead full lives (including the use of key learning strategies, assistive technologies, environmental modifications, and human resources)…

(source: [Neurodiversity: More than Just a Good Notion | Dr. Armstrong’s Blog](http://thomasarmstrong.com/blog/2011/12/15/neurodiversity-more-than-just-a-good-notion/))

**This will be a post organising the approach that Thomas Armstrong put forward which I have shown in my posts over the past year.🙂**

**Niche Construction for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders can be put into a number of categories:**

**Workplaces**  
[Specialisterne](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/1) and various offshoots (as well as similar companies) around the world  
[Specialist People Foundation](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/30)  
[Customized employment](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/65) approach of Griffin-Hammis Associates  
Organisations which aim to encourage and support the artistic gifts of Autistics (for example [Strokes of Genius](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/81))  
Programs which aim to employ Autistics in agriculture/on farms (for example [TIAA-CREF’s Fruits of Employment program](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/2), [Bittersweet Farms](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/43), and [Humana GardenWorks](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/28))  
Workplace-related issues ([thorough pre-work assessment](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/32), [self-sustaining workplaces](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/31), [expansion into other types of ‘specialist’ jobs for individuals on various points on the Autism Spectrum](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/11), [utilisation of splinter skills and special interests at work](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/17), and [disclosure of an Autism diagnosis in the workplace](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/330))

**Educational/Vocational training institutions and Learning environment**  
[Specialisterne’s special youth education programme (STU)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/15)  
[AspIT](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/340) (a Denmark-based vocational IT education course for young people with Asperger Syndrome)  
[nonPareil Institute](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/21) in Plano, Texas  
[Exceptional Minds school and studio](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/164) in Sherman Oaks, California  
[Universal Design for Learning (UDL)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/21)  
Chairs (for example [Freedom Concepts’ Chill-Out Chair](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/331), [Bean bag chairs](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/16), and [Ball chairs](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/335))  
Desks (for example [the Desktop Desk](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/333) or [Safco’s AlphaBetter Height-Adjustable Desk](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/334))  
Interactive Whiteboards (for example the [SMART Board](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/13), [Promethean’s ActivBoard](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/14), and [Hitachi’s Starboards](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/14))  
[Dynamic lighting systems](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/18)  
Integrating education and healthcare into the same system (for example [the Lerner School for Autism and Debra Ann November Wing at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/350) or [DDtrac by Developing Minds Software](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/358))

**Workplace design, Architecture and Interior design**  
[Universal design-based work environment](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/12) (for example [the Walgreens Outreach initiative](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/8), [effective communication strategies _towards_ Autistics](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/343), [providing co-workers of Autistics with the right training/tools to help them succeed](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/70), [applying a tailored management approach to non-Autistics](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/75))  
‘Neuro-typical environment’ with generalisation in mind vs the sensory sensitive approach (['Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism - #349 by Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/349))  
[GA Architects](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/9)  
[Mackey Mitchell Architects]([https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/11(https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/74)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/11(https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/74)) (founder of ‘With a Brush of Love’)

**Assistive technologies**  
[The potential of assistive technologies in the workplace](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/41)  
[General resources on Autism-focused assistive technologies as well as a study on results in the workplace](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/44)  
[iPrompts](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/42) (an app for caregivers)  
[Proloquo2Go](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/45) (a powerful augmentative communication app for the iPhone and iPad)  
[Cyrano Communicator](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/39) (an augmentative communication device)  
[Talk Blocks for Work](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/38)

**Clothing**  
Deep-pressure therapy compression and weighted vests (for example [the Vayu vest](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/332), [the Snug vest](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/347), [the Squease vest](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/354), and [weighted vests](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/143))  
[Clothes designed to minimise irritation](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/141)  
Modifying clothing items in order to make them ‘softer’ (for example by [washing them](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/342) or via the use of [Undercover Tape](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/342))

**Sleep hygiene/environment**  
Deep-pressure therapy weighted blankets (for example [Protac’s Ball Blanket](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/54))  
Products to stop the negative effects of exposure to blue light in the evenings (for example [blue light blocking glasses/lamps](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/57) or [F.lux](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/58))  
[Anti-allergy bedding](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/56)  
[Beds with simple, stable, predictable motion](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/55)

**Exercise and movement**  
[David S. Geslak](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/323) (president of ‘The Exercise Connection’)  
[Addie Godinho](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/339) (owner of Addie’s AutismFITT Club (Functionally Integrated Traditional Training))  
[Eric Chessen](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/102) (founder of ‘Autism Fitness’)  
[Suzanne Moore Gray](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/325) (CEO and founder of Right Fit Sport Fitness Wellness, also developer of the ‘Raise the Bar’ program)  
[Joanne Lara](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/327) (founder of ‘Autism Movement Therapy’ and developer of the aut-erobics DVD)  
[Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/208)

**Diet and Supplementation**  
[Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/341)  
[L-Carnosine](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/52)  
Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3) from [Fish Oil](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/52) or Algae  
[Vitamin B6 and Magnesium](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/263)

**Music**  
[Punit Yaatri’s BrainHeart Music](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/60)

**Niche construction does not mean that one cannot also work on their ‘weaknesses’**  
Prevention of challenging behaviour by intensive individualised interventions (for example via Positive Behaviour Support or by utilising [DDtrac, specialised data collection software](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/357))  
Managing meltdowns (for example by using the [S.C.A.R.E.D. Calming Technique](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/51))  
[Learning self-defence strategies](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/138) so that the naive can become a little more ‘street smart’  
Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) (for example via [Dr. Hayoung Lim’s approach - Developmental Speech and Language Training Through Music (DSLM)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/324))  
Social skills training (for example via [Buron’s book which seeks to help adolescents and young adults who have difficulty understanding and maintaining social boundaries](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/50) or via [MyFriendQuest - a computer game that teaches Autistic children to better recognise and respond to emotions from facial expressions](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/312), ensuring that [context is provided in all such materials](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/338))  
Working memory training (for example via the [Dual-n-back](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/299) or [Cogmed](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/300) systems)  
Training of learning disabilities that can accompany Autism Spectrum Disorders (for example via the approach pioneered by [Barbara Arrowsmith Young](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/304))  
[Neurofeedback/Biofeedback](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/144) (for example [HEG](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/145), [QEEG-](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/148)/[Connectivity-](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/149)guided, and [HRV](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/154))  
Developmental interventions (for example [Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/329))

**Miscellaneous topics/general items relating to treatments**  
Taking control of one’s own destiny (for example through [The Integrated Self-advocacy Curriculum](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/34), [learned helplessness and attribution retraining](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/337), training of Self-regulation)  
Summaries of various Autism treatments (for example [Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2011-2012 by Siri and Lyons](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/53))  
A mobile journaling program keeping track of interventions (for example [AutismTrack](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/53))  
[Relaxation therapies that put the user in a state of great receptivity to new information](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/151) (allowing other therapies to work better)  
Improving long term therapy compliance (for example [making Neurofeedback more ‘fun’ via video games](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/155) and [tweaking parenting style to increase a child’s efforts and persistence](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/336))  
Utilising teaching methods that are designed for the Autistic target group (for example [Joanne Lara’s use of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) in Autism Movement Therapy (AMT)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/328) and in [Eric Chessen’s Autism Fitness sessions](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/122), the use of [Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/121))

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_[View the full topic](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245)._