Pete Wharmby

Pete Wharmby is a British author, speaker, and neurodiversity advocate whose book Untypical has become an important and widely praised guide to understanding autism from the inside. Diagnosed as autistic at the age of thirty-four, Wharmby draws on his personal experience and his background as an English teacher to explain what being autistic is really like — with wit, warmth, and practical insight. Wharmby worked as a secondary school English teacher for over a decade before his diagnosis in 2017 transformed his understanding of himself and his experiences. He has since become one of the most prominent voices in autism advocacy, using his books, social media presence, YouTube channel, and public speaking to educate people about neurodiversity. Untypical: How the World Isn't Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It (2023) lays bare the experience of navigating a neurotypical world as an autistic person. The book covers socialising, relationships, school, university, work, travel, and leisure, explaining with honesty and humour the exhaustion of "masking" — the process of hiding autistic traits to fit in — and the toll it takes over a lifetime. Crucially, the book is not just a personal memoir but a practical handbook, offering concrete suggestions for how non-autistic people can make the world more accessible and inclusive. Wharmby writes with the clarity of a teacher and the authenticity of someone who has lived everything he describes. His approach is warm, self-deprecating, and deeply informed, and he manages to be both educational and entertaining. The audiobook edition of Untypical, read by Wharmby himself, is particularly effective — his natural delivery and genuine personality make it a compelling and enlightening listen. His book and audiobook are essential for anyone who wants to understand autism better — and for autistic people who want to feel seen and understood.