What started as an initiative sparked by the presence of a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Thessaly has grown into an innovative project: training a dedicated five-member team of individuals with ASD in the art of beekeeping.
The goal is to guide participants through every stage of the journey—from novice apprentices to skilled professional beekeepers.
At the Apiculture Laboratory of the Department of Animal Science, they will receive both theoretical instruction and, more importantly, hands-on practical training. With access to 100 productive apiaries and under the guidance of a specialized scientific team with expertise in both beekeeping and special education, the trainees will oversee the entire process, from honey production to bottling.
The final product will be purchased at a predetermined price by APIVITA, a strong supporter of the initiative, and distributed worldwide through its extensive network.
This groundbreaking program, called BeeAutism, is a collaboration between the University of Thessaly, the Autism Association of Larissa, and APIVITA. Initially launched as a one-year pilot, it has the potential to become a long-term initiative, creating meaningful professional opportunities for individuals with ASD.
