Chefs on the Spectrum
Chefs on the Spectrum builds pathways for autistic talent to enter, learn and thrive in professional kitchens through culinary training, mentorship and employment partnerships. By opening doors to meaningful careers while helping restaurants meet critical workforce needs, the program creates opportunities that benefit individuals, businesses and communities alike.
The program is in early-stage development. Our current focus is on building strong partnerships with chefs and restaurant groups and thoughtfully designing a program that will provide meaningful, supportive and sustainable employment opportunities for autistic individuals in the culinary field.
Chefs on the Spectrum is made possible through the generous and visionary support of the André Soltner Philanthropic Trust, established to honor the remarkable life and career of Chef André Soltner. Celebrated for his excellence in the kitchen, Soltner was equally respected as a dedicated mentor and advocate for the next generation of culinary talent. This extraordinary investment reflects Chef Soltner’s belief in the transformative power of inclusion and redefining what opportunity can look like.
Chefs on the Spectrum empowers autistic talent through culinary training and placement in professional kitchens. It is opening doors for individuals too often overlooked, while helping restaurants find the skilled staff they urgently need.
What Chefs on the Spectrum provides
As a participating employer, you can expect:
- Job candidates matched to your open roles based on their skills, interests, and preferred work environment
- Support preparing your kitchen to welcome new team members, including workplace assessment and inclusion tools now in development
- Access to Autism Speaks’ Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) training and employer resources
- Follow-up check-ins with you and your new team member after hiring