In ‘What I Want to Talk About,’ published in 2022 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, British author and former teacher Pete Wharmby, who is autistic, shares a unique and deep exploration of life with autism. This lengthy book reveals a fascinating world, especially focusing on special interests and hyperfixations in the life of an autistic adult. Wharmby’s interests, ranging from LEGO® to trains, provide not only intense focus but also comfort and order in a chaotic world.
Besides his favorite topics, Wharmby also discusses his childhood and teen years, his struggles with social cues, and finding coping mechanisms. His candid account of understanding his autism and its impact on his teaching career beautifully illustrates his journey to self-acceptance and embracing his passions.
The book also delves into family relationships, video games, music, and Warhammer 40,000, each offering refuge and relaxation. Wharmby reflects on how these interests played a role in his adult life, like Minecraft aiding in parenting and preventing burnout.
His fascination with fictional worlds like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his interest in the Titanic are also explored, examining their appeal to his autistic mind. In the epilogue, Wharmby emphasizes the importance of special interests for autistic people and advocates for an inclusive society where autistic voices are heard and accepted.
However, the book heavily relies on Wharmby’s personal anecdotes, sometimes giving the impression that these experiences are universal. It lacks solid scientific grounding, making it more opinion-based than factual. The repetitive nature and limited readability for non-British autistic individuals similar to Wharmby might narrow its audience. His writing style sometimes undermines his credibility and doesn’t sufficiently consider other perspectives.
Overall, ‘What I Want to Talk About’ is an enlightening yet long and sometimes tedious journey into the world of an introverted British autistic man obsessed with social media and gaming. It’s a valuable contribution but requires effort to digest and not get lost in the author’s ramblings about his favorite topics. While not recommended for those seeking an engaging, easy-to-read, and balanced book on autism, it is an interesting and potentially confronting read, gifted to me by someone close to the author.”
The European Autist 