The Canary Code

The Canary Code

A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work

About the Book

Create workplaces where neurodivergent talent—your organizational canaries—can thrive, benefiting everyone, with this award-winning guide.

Despite valuable skills and strong work ethics, neurodivergent individuals (such as members of ADHD, autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and learning differences communities as well as others who bring different ways of thinking and experiencing life) face significant employment barriers. It means that their unique talents and perspectives are often excluded, and their canary warnings about problems like bullying, ineffective work organization, or ethical slippery slopes that harm all are ignored. 

This practical guide helps CEOs, managers, HR leaders, and changemakers build truly inclusive workplaces by addressing systemic problems and improving work for everyone. Drawing on over twenty-five years of global experience and research on uniquely inclusive organizations, the book offers the following tools:

  • An intersectional approach to neuroinclusion
  • Holistic understanding of human differences (social, cognitive, emotional, physical)
  • Comprehensive talent practices from job descriptions to leadership development
  • Global perspectives celebrating diverse neurodivergent voices
  • Actionable strategies for change at any organizational level

With a blend of lived experience, academic rigor, and accessible writing, this groundbreaking work clearly distinguishes between academic, applied, and personal content, allowing readers to navigate the material according to their needs and interests.
Read more
Close

Praise for The Canary Code

"This bold, compassionate, and ambitious book aims to do nothing less than to redesign workplaces so that every employee has the support they need to achieve success. Full of practical insights, it's a comprehensive blueprint for a future in which all kinds of minds can work together for collective benefit." 
—Steve Silberman, author, NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
 
“The Canary Code fills an important gap in management literature about neurodiversity and inclusion at work. It illuminates and inspires, and it provides practical guidance for leaders who want to create systems that support different types of talent while producing positive outcomes and a healthy workplace for all.”
—Abbie Lundberg, editor in chief, MIT Sloan Management Review

The Canary Code is a game-changing look at organizational leadership and diversity. This work is a paradigm shift in moving away from outdated practices and developing inclusive talent systems where everyone can thrive.”
—Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
 
The Canary Code is a timely, wise, and life-giving book—a must-read for those seeking to grow as leaders, especially those in marginalized populations who identify as neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or introverted, and for everyone aiming to make a positive difference in their organizations.”
—Karen An-hwei Lee, Provost and Professor of English, Wheaton College
 
“An enlightening guide for holistic neuroinclusion at work.”
—Deepa Purushothaman, author of The First, the Few, the Only

“Where has this book been my whole life? As a family member of and friend to many neurodivergent people and as a coach to neurodivergent leaders, I wished this thoughtful, helpful book had been written decades ago. But it’s here now, and nobody should wait another minute to dig into the rich insights and practical approaches that Dr. Praslova offers.”
—Deborah Riegel, coauthor of Go to Help
 
“Give everyone in your organization a copy of this, read it together, and then open your eyes to the magic of the multiple layers of diverse people with whom you’ve been gifted. Embrace them, welcome them, and ultimately, learn to include them. None of us are included until we’re all included.”
—Ron Carucci, Managing Partner, Navalent, and bestselling author of Rising to Power and To Be Honest
 
The Canary Code is a road map to creating more compassionate workplaces that bring out the best in everyone. This is a must-read for all who want to be effective allies.”
—Lan Nguyen Chaplin, Professor of Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University
 
“As the head of people operations at a financial services company, I find The Canary Code both informative and practical. This hands-on information can assist companies in cultivating cultures of belonging, attracting top talent, and retaining diverse employees, providing an edge in today’s competitive business world. The Canary Code delivers on arming companies with the facts about neurodiversity and offers salient executable ideas.”
—Ashly Williams, Senior Director of People Operations, Veri-Tax
Read more
Close

About the Author

Ludmila N. Praslova, PhD
Decorative Carat

By clicking submit, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

Random House Publishing Group