Untypical cover art

Untypical

How the World Isn’t Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It

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Untypical

By: Pete Wharmby
Narrated by: Pete Wharmby
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About this listen

It’s time to remake the world – the ground-breaking book on what steps we should all be taking for the autistic people in our lives.

The modern world is built for neurotypicals: needless noise, bright flashing lights, small talk, phone calls, unspoken assumptions and unwritten rules – it can be a nightmarish dystopia for the autistic population. In Untypical, Pete Wharmby lays bare the experience of being ‘different’, explaining with wit and warmth just how exhausting it is to fit in to a world not designed for you.

But this book is more than an explanation. After a late diagnosis and a lifetime of ‘masking’, Pete is the perfect interlocutor to explain how our two worlds can meet, and what we can do for the many autistic people in our schools, workplaces and lives. The result: a practical handbook for all of us to make the world a simpler, better place for autistic people to navigate, and a call to arms for anyone who believes in an inclusive society and wants to be part of the solution.

©2023 Pete Wharmby (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Mental Health People with Disabilities Psychology Social Sciences Inspiring Thought-Provoking Autism
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Critic reviews

‘A wonderful, compassionate, important book, exploring the many faces of neurodivergence, and offering ways for everyone to make life kinder for those who are wired differently.’ – Joanne Harris

‘Pete eloquently and passionately explains the the challenges of having to navigate our round-hole world as a square peg and therefore is a comforting and validating read for anyone who is Untypical. Rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, whichever neuro-shape you are, this book can help us all to create a more inclusive society.’ – Dr Meg Arroll

‘A wonderful book about achieving better awareness and a more inclusive society for people on the autism spectrum.’ – Roger Clark

‘This brilliant, funny, important book shows how we can all make the world a bit better for everyone but especially our neurodiverse friends, loved ones and possibly ourselves.’ Sarah Hart

What listeners say about Untypical

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  • Overall
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An absolute MUST read!

Whether you're autistic or not, this book is such a great insight into autism.
As an autistic female, I don't relate to every point Pete makes; however, so much of what he says is absolutely spot on.
Excellently written, highly recommended!

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Honesty of author

Really helpful in terms of understanding how we might make the world a more accessible place for neurodiverse people

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Really interesting

I saw so much of myself in his experience. His thoughts are well organised and include suggestions for how things could improve. Those regarding education would be beneficial for everyone.

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Outstanding

Not only is this a fascinating insight into the personal experience of autism by Pete Wharmby bringing me laughs, lots of 'yes' moments and tears too, it made me feel seen, and puts into words what I could not for so many years. An absolute gem of a listen and the narration was outstanding. Have already recommended this book to another member of my family and I will be undoubtedly listening again in the coming months. So much to digest and reflect on. Thank You ✨️

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Great read for all

There is often a large focus on autism - and neurodivergence in general- regarding children, as though a neurodivergent person doesn't continue to struggle in a neurotypical world as they step into adulthood and so this book is a refreshing angle of that of a late diagnosed person and their experiences. I could really relate to the author in areas where most of my life I felt quite alone, particularly in the unwritten social rules, particularly in the work place.
The author acknowledges the challenges of other neurodivergent marginalised groups in a very mindful way that as a neurodivergent poc, I really appreciated.

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Fabulous listen

Superb book. Can’t recommend highly enough. 2022/23 book so up to date. Great reading voice by author. Excellent coverage of topics. Sensitively written. Will be reading/listening again.

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Unjust world for the Autistic

A fabulous insight into the world of Autism and neurodiversity, what it means and how we should adapt to make it more inclusive for ALL

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It helped me

This book helped me understand my daughter- aged 33. I wish this book had been written 30 years ago.

Now a real conversation can begin between me and my daughter.



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Can I give it more stars please?

I would (and regularly do!) recommend this book to absolutely everyone, autistic or otherwise, to get the most realistic, accurate and heartfelt account of autistic life ever put into words. I'm also an autistic/ADHD teacher, and to hear specific and relatable anecdotes of personal and professional experiences just felt so affirming and permission-giving. I wish everyone could understand this, so read the book!

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Validating

Incredible and validating to hear so much of my life on a page as a late-diagnosed autistic person.

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