What I Want to Talk About
What I Want to Talk About
How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life
'This book isn’t a memoir. It is a love letter to the phenomenon of autistic hyperfixation.'
In What I Want to Talk About popular autism advocate Pete Wharmby takes readers on a journey through his special interests, illuminating the challenges of autistic experience along the way. Funny, revealing, celebratory and powerful in equal measure, this is a book that will resonate with many, and which should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand autism with more accuracy and empathy.
This engaging, witty, and bracingly honest book brings to light the life-giving passion and intensity of autistic ‘special interests,' describing with the vividness of lived experience the distinctive ways that autistic people explore and make sense of the world.
This book is a gift to us all. Pete not only provides incredible insight for anyone wishing to understand autism, but as an autistic person, I found an empowering sense of belonging and comfort in his writing. The existence of this book will make the world a better place.
In a spectacular debut, Pete Wharmby perfectly translates the autistic experience with effortless wit, warmth and flair. Through the lens of his passions and interests, Pete articulates the messy, confusing and often beautiful way autistic brains work. It is essential reading for everyone who may encounter an autistic person (so, literally everyone) and is certain to become a definitive classic on the subject.
A deeply personal autistic insight into Hyperfixation at first glance, this book is that and much, much more. I felt as if I lived parts of his life with him, such is the richness of Pete’s words; but around many of the humorous and delightful narrative corners came a contrasting shock of how being autistic in an unforgiving world can feel. A superb read from beginning to end.
Pete Wharmby trained as an English teacher and now works as a writer, speaker and autism advocate. Pete was diagnosed autistic as an adult and he is focused on increasing awareness and understanding of the condition. He has spoken nationally, including at the National Autistic Society Professional Conference, and lives in the UK.
