PRESS RELEASE 18 March 2026
TOHUM Neurodiversity Call to Business World from Autism Foundation: “Different-thinking minds can be the greatest strength of institutions.”
The TOHUM Autism Foundation, which has been operating in Turkey since 2003 to integrate autistic children into society as independent and productive individuals, invites the business world to explore the great potential offered by neurodiversity and contribute to the widespread promotion of inclusive employment as part of the Neurodiversity Week. The Foundation’s inclusive employment initiatives with 16 companies since 2010 have enabled the employment of 61 autistic individuals.
Celebrated worldwide, Neurodiversity Week reminds individuals that the differences in how the world is perceived, learned, and thought about are natural and valuable. Emphasizing that neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome are not a deficiency but part of human diversity, this week draws attention to the need for more inclusive approaches in every field, from education to employment. Institutions and societies where differences are not excluded but, on the contrary, transformed into generating value stand out as the strongest structures of the future.
TOHUM The Autism Foundation guides the business world with its projects aimed at supporting individuals with autism in Turkey through early diagnosis and scientific-based special education, as well as with its projects to promote inclusive employment models. Since 2010, the Foundation has been working to increase the participation of individuals with neurodiversity in the workplace by designing awareness training programs and consulting services for organizations, as well as inclusive employment programs. Developing autism-friendly work environments, increasing awareness in this field, spreading inclusive policies in organizations, and creating employment opportunities are among the Foundation’s priority areas of work.
TOHUM Seda Köknel, General Manager of the Autism Foundation, stated the following in her statement during the Neurodiversity Week:
“Today, the society we live in is still based on the neurotypical assumption. Recruitment processes, interview formats, open offices, emergency plans, digital interfaces… are all designed for the average brain. However, the reality is that each individual perceives the world differently, learns differently, and produces different values. Neurodiversity holds great potential in this regard. Today, there is a significant opportunity for the business world: instead of trying to adapt to the minds that think differently, we should redesign the systems to accommodate this diversity. Because neurodiversity is not a deficiency; with the right approach, it is a powerful source of innovation, creativity, and sustainable success for organizations. We invite the Turkish business world to explore this power offered by neurodiversity and together grow inclusive employment.”