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Positively Different

Nature and nurture make us different. Dignity makes us equal.

Neurodiversity
Myth Busting: What Is Nonverbal Learning Difference?

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on August 27, 2024

Nonverbal learning disorder/disability/difference (NVLD) is often misunderstood. This post integrates lived experience examples and research to address common misconceptions.

Nonverbal learning disorder/disability/difference (NVLD) is often misunderstood. This post integrates lived experience examples and research to address common misconceptions.

Autism
Healing the Invalidation: The Complex Truth of Autism

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on May 24, 2024

Stating "our truth" as an objective truth can create divisions within the community. Recognizing the difference between personal and universal truths facilitates inclusion.

Stating "our truth" as an objective truth can create divisions within the community. Recognizing the difference between personal and universal truths facilitates inclusion.

Autism
Why Autism Inclusion at Work Must Be Intersectional

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on April 2, 2024

If I were just autistic or just broke, I would have been fine. But I was both, so I started my new academic job sleep-deprived. Now I teach how to make inclusion intersectional.

If I were just autistic or just broke, I would have been fine. But I was both, so I started my new academic job sleep-deprived. Now I teach how to make inclusion intersectional.

Career
How Thought Leaders Can Support Workload Fairness

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on December 26, 2023

The well-meaning “overdeliver to make up for the bias” advice perpetuates biases and the exhaustion tax on stigmatized individuals. Here is how thought leaders can do better.

The well-meaning “overdeliver to make up for the bias” advice perpetuates biases and the exhaustion tax on stigmatized individuals. Here is how thought leaders can do better.

Career
How Managers Can Support Workload Equity

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on December 22, 2023

How can leaders ensure that stigmatized employees are not expected to work extra hard to make up for the effects of prejudice? This article highlights some best practices.

How can leaders ensure that stigmatized employees are not expected to work extra hard to make up for the effects of prejudice? This article highlights some best practices.

Career
How to Reclaim Your Right to Rest—While Stigmatized

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on December 21, 2023

People from marginalized groups often overwork trying to override the impact of prejudice. We are also often pushed into overwork. Here, I share four principles that help me cope.

People from marginalized groups often overwork trying to override the impact of prejudice. We are also often pushed into overwork. Here, I share four principles that help me cope.

Neurodiversity
What Is Structural Neuroableism at Work?

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on September 27, 2023

Neurodistinct professionals work hard but often can’t get ahead. It is as if an invisible force were holding them back and pushing them out: structural neuroableism.

Neurodistinct professionals work hard but often can’t get ahead. It is as if an invisible force were holding them back and pushing them out: structural neuroableism.

Career
A Key Tool for Disability Employment and Neuroinclusion

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on September 25, 2023

Flexible work is disability justice. My research on companies that thrive while supporting disabled and neurodivergent workers demonstrates that it is also a win-win for all.

Flexible work is disability justice. My research on companies that thrive while supporting disabled and neurodivergent workers demonstrates that it is also a win-win for all.

Career
Disability at Work: The Forgotten Diversity

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on June 29, 2023

Fully including disabled individuals at work goes beyond individual–level accommodations. It calls for systemic change to make organizations more just.

Fully including disabled individuals at work goes beyond individual–level accommodations. It calls for systemic change to make organizations more just.

Autism
Adult, Accomplished, Autistic: The Late Diagnosis Diaries

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on June 28, 2023

A late autism diagnosis can bring on a range of feelings. Sadness. Relief. The joy of finding “your tribe.” And there are many choices to make—including the choice to celebrate.

A late autism diagnosis can bring on a range of feelings. Sadness. Relief. The joy of finding “your tribe.” And there are many choices to make—including the choice to celebrate.

Stress
Research Is In: Work Stress Is Not “Just in Your Head”

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on January 27, 2023

Currently, 43 percent of employees are “often” or “always” exhausted at the end of work. The culture of the workplace needs to shift systemically to address toxic stress.

Currently, 43 percent of employees are “often” or “always” exhausted at the end of work. The culture of the workplace needs to shift systemically to address toxic stress.

Stress
Have Yourself an Inclusive Holiday Season at Work

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on December 19, 2022

Leaders, office party planners, and thoughtful colleagues must think carefully about making holidays considerate and inclusive. It does not have to be hard.

Leaders, office party planners, and thoughtful colleagues must think carefully about making holidays considerate and inclusive. It does not have to be hard.

Career
US Surgeon General: Work Impacts Health and Well-Being

Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. on October 22, 2022

Work conditions harmed the mental health of 84% of employees. The new US Surgeon General's guidance on workplace mental health and well-being can help employers do better.

Work conditions harmed the mental health of 84% of employees. The new US Surgeon General's guidance on workplace mental health and well-being can help employers do better.