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  • Untypical

  • How the World Isn’t Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It
  • By: Pete Wharmby
  • Narrated by: Pete Wharmby
  • Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (151 ratings)

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Untypical cover art

Untypical

By: Pete Wharmby
Narrated by: Pete Wharmby
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Summary

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

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 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)

What listeners say about Untypical

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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    4 out of 5 stars
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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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Better understanding my wonderful son

My adult son is profoundly autistic and despite decades as a caring, loving parent, I feel this book gave me a quantum leap forward in my understanding of his behaviours and autism. It
should be required reading for all academics, carers , teachers , employers, parents and siblings with an association to autism or an autistic person.

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A must read/listen!

Brilliantly honest and informative. Pete’s view of the world just makes sense in many ways. This book really gets you thinking about your own actions and highlights how small changes in classrooms and workplaces could make a big difference.

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Insightful and revealing

Made me stop and think… in a much needed way.
Insightful and revealing, read in an open an approachable way.

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Really insightful

Really liked this book - full of great information, shares and reflections. Read beautifully and I found myself laughing out loud as this was my gym companion book for a few weeks. So many ‘ah-has’ and huge ticks for myself and child.

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