Mumbai: Enterprise solutions provider SAP said it will work globally with Specialisterne to employ people with autism as software testers, programmers and data quality assurance specialists.

SAP sees a potential competitive advantage to leveraging the unique talents of people with autism, while also helping them to secure meaningful employment, SAP said in a statement.

It is estimated that one per cent of the world's population is affected by autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

"With Specialisterne, we share a common belief that innovation comes from the 'edges'. Only by employing people, who think differently and spark innovation will SAP be prepared to handle the challenges of the 21st century," Luisa Delgado, member of the Executive Board of SAP AG, Human Resources said.

The global announcement follows successful pilot projects in India and Ireland that demonstrate the positive impact of empowering people with autism to excel in their areas of strength.

Working locally with Specialisterne, SAP Labs in India hired six people with autism as software testers for SAP Business Suite applications.

The Ireland pilot is currently completing the screening phase for five positions to be filled this year. SAP will expand the program globally, starting in the U.S., Canada and Germany in 2013.

SAP Labs in India has also developed a consumer iPad application called 'Bol' to assist with the education of children with autism. This program helps children learn and comprehend simple, everyday objects and processes, using auditory, visual and instant feedback functions.

As part of the partnership, Specialisterne will extend its operations to support SAP's global expansion of the program over the next several years.

Specialisterne is an international organization which harnesses talent of people with autism to work in technology-oriented jobs like software testing, programming and data management.

Originally founded in Denmark, it has operations across U.S., UK, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Iceland and Poland.

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