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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 Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences Specific Demographics Autism Health

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
All stars
Most relevant  
I've been following the author on Twitter for years and have already learnt so much from him. This book was everything I had hoped for. I found it a genuinely pleasurable read - rare for a book that had me thinking about how I and everyone could do better! I feel like this is one of Pete Wharmby's great skills. I laughed out loud at in many parts (in recognition and solidarity, not mocking!) Despite there being so much to do, this book also left me feeling hopeful for the future. I'm looking forward to reading his other book.

If everyone read this, the world would be better

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This was a very well written book so easy to understand and make you rethink on how people live in an autistic world and what we can do to support people and help them guide through life.
Well done

A world of knowledge

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I love, this book was very inspiring, very well written and explains a variety of different country that is going through able ism. It was very interesting to know.

Untypical book was feel educational and provided great information

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this book was wonderful. Pete is a absolute champion for sharing his story and the story of others. Thankyou for helping people like me feel seen and a part of something.

as a 34 year old diagnosed at 33

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I have two autistic children and this was an absolute must read and incredibly eye opening for me

Couldn't stop listening

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This is such a well written/read informative book. I very much recommend to anyone.

It’s so relatable

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An outstanding book, well researched, easy to read with many everyday examples that are easy to relate to.

Incredibly affirming and well written

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I love this book. Pete describes his own experience as an autistic person while simultaneously holding space for the many and varied autistic people and their experiences. A simple, amusing and touching book that I’ve found so validating. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to start their real discovery of what autism is, instead of relying on the many myths that still exist in society and the media.

A great listen!

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How easy is to make the world a little better for
Autistic People! Please listen to this audiobook and you'll see how much you can contribute with it!! And how much valuable they are for our world. Great book!! 🙏🏻

Truly understanding the autistic world

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For anyone that knows an autistic person, suspects they do, or suspects they may have autism themselves, this book provides a great foundation. I really hope it breaks down walls as the author intends.

Must read!

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