Several shows that features an autistic main character are hits on streaming networks such as Netflix and Hulu. Here are some things I picked up that are important to consider.
1. "Atypical"
The show highlights a family of an autistic man, Sam, who lives with his parents and younger sister. He graduates from high school and attends a local college.
PROS: Several moments were relatable for me, such as Sam's honest moments (I've made some brutally honest statements before, but not as many) vocally stimming. The general story-line is engaging as it also highlights the rest of the family.
CONS: The show could use a more diverse representation of characters. While some episodes show an autism support group that features more autistic characters from different racial groups and backgrounds, it is not featured for the entire series. The main character is a white male. Females, people of color, and plenty of other kinds of people are autistic.
The mother in the show was also nerve-wracking. She frequently tried to overstep Sam's boundaries when he wanted more independence. Not to mention she isn't the best role model for her family, either.
2. "Love On The Spectrum"
This reality show highlights autistic people going on dates with other autistic people.
PROS: There was a little more representation in comparison to other shows about autistic people I have seen. It highlighted both males and females, and a person who is not white. I liked listening to all of their stories, too.
CONS: The parents — they got on my nerves the most. A relationship therapist visited several homes to explain dating norms. The parents frequently spoke for their autistic children, who are all over the age of 18. In one episode, both parents sat next to their daughter as she and a guy set up another date. The call was also ON SPEAKER. There definitely could have been a lot more representation as well. After some more research, I wondered if this show crosses the line between autistic people telling their stories and "inspiration porn."
3. "The Good Doctor"
This show is about a young man named Shaun, who is autistic and has savant syndrome. He is a surgical resident at a hospital.
PROS: Shaun had multiple moments that I related to, such as oversharing of information and the stigma that other supporting characters placed on him. I liked how they gave the perspective of an autistic person working in healthcare.
CONS: Several supporting characters perpetuated a lot of negative stereotypes of Shaun. Multiple doctors doubted his ability to meet the demands of a surgeon in the pilot episode. There was not a lot of representation, since the main character was a white male. I appreciate the perspective of an autistic healthcare worker, viewers should not overgeneralize their ideas on autism.
