In case you didn’t realise it, World Autism Week ended on 2 April. Given that 1 in 30 people are autistic, perhaps we should be more aware of the condition and its impact. Because 1 in 30 means one child in every classroom, perhaps one person in your department at work or at least one in your train coach or on the bus.
The world today can be an exhausting and dystopian one for those with autism – noise, bright flashing lights, small talk, unwritten rules, implication and inference can turn into alienation and a nightmarish prospect.
Author, former teacher and autism advocate Pete Wharmby was diagnosed late (at the age of 34) so he knows what can be done to make our world more inclusive.
Pete’s book Untypical: How the world isn’t built for autistic people…… was published on 16 March to demystify the autism experience and provide a blueprint for change.
There was an extraordinary response to Chris Packham’s autism documentary, revealing the absolutely crucial need to understand the autistic experience. Pete himself regularly goes viral on twitter, where he raises awareness and shares the simple everyday things that autistic people find challenging. He provides some tips for those of us who might otherwise struggle to develop relationships with autistic colleagues and acquaintances.
Pete advises that we may not realise how much an autistic person is struggling just to have a conversation:
“Don’t judge us if we mess up with small talk and those little extraneous bits of communication.”
“If we do have a meltdown back off, give space, reserve judgement.”
“Don’t change location last minute.” This can throw those with autism off balance. They might not be able to prepare themselves mentally for the new venue and may not be able to meet or attend.
Peter also tells us what difficulties might prevent an autistic person from being in a workplace, attending school or even managing their finances.
At work, the difficulties to overcome might be buzzing light fittings, hot desking or executive dysfunction. At school, there may be no calm spaces or uncluttered classrooms. Scheduling and organisational hurdles may not be overcome so the result might mean unwanted subscriptions, late fees, cancellation fees, unauthorised overdrafts or having to pay after forgetting to return bought items.
Through astute observations, Pete advises how our two worlds can meet, championing the accessible changes that could completely overhaul how autistic people fit into society.
Early Praise for Untypical
‘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 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
Pete Wharmby: Twitter: @commaficionado Website: https://petewharmby.com/
Photograph of Pete provided by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Words taken and adapted from a HarperCollins press release.
