The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work

The Canary Code is a groundbreaking framework for intersectional inclusion and belonging at work that embraces human cognitive, emotional, and neurobiological differences—neurodiversity.

Despite their skills and work ethics, members of autistic, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, learning differences, and related communities face barriers to hiring and advancement. In the U.S., 30-40% of neurodivergent people and 85% of autistic college graduates struggle with unemployment. Yet, like canaries in the coal mine, they are impacted by issues that ultimately harm everyone. Lack of flexibility, transparency, and psychological safety exclude neurodivergent, disabled, and multiply marginalized talent– and leave most employees stressed and disengaged.

This book helps CEOs, human resources and DEI leaders, managers, and consultants design neuroinclusive and thriving workplaces where everyone can do their best work. It draws on examples of pioneering organizations, human stories, academic research, and the author’s decades of experience.

Organizational psychologist and member of the autistic community, Ludmila N. Praslova, PhD., offers a comprehensive framework for building neuroinclusive workplaces. Embedding the 6 “Canary Code” principles across the talent cycle can unlock human thriving and productivity:

• Participation
• Outcome focus
• Flexibility
• Organizational justice
• Transparency
• Valid Measurement

This unique book combines the lived autism experience with cutting-edge organizational thinking, academic rigor, and passionate, artful writing. Readers will experience organizational life through the eyes of neurodivergent individuals and find many tools for human-centric talent management and the inclusive future of work.