Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,234 
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
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Post by Sue on Aug 14, 2017 23:40:18 GMT
Have you watched this yet? I adored this show. I'm unsure how accurate it is as far as the autism spectrum goes but I thought the actor playing the part was brilliant. So heart warming, funny, and heart breaking at times too. I watched all the episodes in 2 days and was so sorry to come to the end. I highly recommend it. I was somewhat sorry at the direction they took the mother's part but I suppose that opens the door for a lot of drama next season... assuming there will be a next season and I certainly hope there will be.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 15, 2017 0:37:17 GMT
I want to watch the show. I need to form an opinion on my own.
My daughter who is high functioning said she will not watch the show based on a review she read from a blogger who does have Autism. According to her, they played up on the typical things that a lot of people think ALL people with Autism do. I understand where she is coming from because I absolutley hated hated hated the way Autism was portrayed in Jodi Picoult's book House Rules.
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Post by deekaye on Aug 15, 2017 1:03:13 GMT
I binged-watched it too, over a couple of days. It is so good and the actors are all amazing. Not having a personal reference point, I don't know how accurately Sam, the main character, portrayed a teen with autism but he is an awesome actor. Definitely hope there is a second season.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,519
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Post by bethany102399 on Aug 15, 2017 1:07:44 GMT
loved it, and ended up binging it all at once. I too do not have a reference point for someone with Autism, but I really liked the show, and loved the actress who plays Casey.
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Post by smalltowngirlie on Aug 15, 2017 1:31:49 GMT
We are watching this right now. DH will only let us watch one episode at a time. I probably would have watched it all in one day if he wasn't interested in it.
Love all the actors except for the mom. I was never a fan of hers and really dislike the character.
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Post by mrgiedrnkr on Aug 15, 2017 3:18:37 GMT
I am on episode 4 I think. My son is 6 and has high functioning autism. I think it is a great show and I can so see my son growing into this character. But, it is also painful to watch because of that.
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Post by scrapsuzy on Aug 17, 2017 2:53:44 GMT
I watched it all in 2 days, also. I have been around different levels, and he isn't what I would really call "high" functioning. I'm no expert, didn't even have a child with autism until my 2nd was diagnosed at 25 (which I'm still skeptical about.) But I am not looking for flaws in the show, just enjoying it for what it is. And I think it's really good.
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Post by scrappinmom3 on Aug 18, 2017 4:11:57 GMT
I have a couple of episodes left but I have had a student for the past four years (special ed although no formal autism diagnosis) that I'm positivevwould be exactly like Sam at 18.
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Post by tenacious on Aug 18, 2017 4:34:22 GMT
I watched the whole series last weekend. I have very mixed feelings about it. I think it is very well done, and well acted. I am going to be brutally honest here, I cried for myself as I watched the series. My 15 has Non Verbal Learning Disorder, which they say is not technically on the spectrum, but, he presents much like an Aspie. He is so, so, much harder than the kid portrayed in the series. I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, if only my son was that easy..."
So, in a nutshell, I felt like if anything, it completely downplayed how hard it is for a lot of families. I respect that the series was about many things, not just autism, so, I will just be grateful that it is raising awareness. But, to those who have no first hand experience with raising a child on the spectrum, I just want to say, that what was portrayed was the tip of the iceberg for many families.
(HUGS) to those who do have first hand experience. You are not alone.
Erin
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Post by mrgiedrnkr on Aug 18, 2017 6:40:00 GMT
I watched the whole series last weekend. I have very mixed feelings about it. I think it is very well done, and well acted. I am going to be brutally honest here, I cried for myself as I watched the series. My 15 has Non Verbal Learning Disorder, which they say is not technically on the spectrum, but, he presents much like an Aspie. He is so, so, much harder than the kid portrayed in the series. I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, if only my son was that easy..." So, in a nutshell, I felt like if anything, it completely downplayed how hard it is for a lot of families. I respect that the series was about many things, not just autism, so, I will just be grateful that it is raising awareness. But, to those who have no first hand experience with raising a child on the spectrum, I just want to say, that what was portrayed was the tip of the iceberg for many families. (HUGS) to those who do have first hand experience. You are not alone. Erin I wonder if we fast forwarded thru the "rough" times for viewer's pleasure. Like if we had seen all the years of therapy and how hard it was on them, people wouldn't have liked it. For example, he said he used to hit and become aggressive when he was stressed (my son) but he has learned to redirect. I hope we get there  I hope that it does raise awareness a bit and I hope it gets a second season. Even living with autism, it made me think about a lot of things. I really, really loved the dance and it would be so amazing for a school to do that. I am not sure i see it happening in the real world though. Stacy |
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Post by smalltowngirlie on Aug 18, 2017 10:39:21 GMT
I watched the whole series last weekend. I have very mixed feelings about it. I think it is very well done, and well acted. I am going to be brutally honest here, I cried for myself as I watched the series. My 15 has Non Verbal Learning Disorder, which they say is not technically on the spectrum, but, he presents much like an Aspie. He is so, so, much harder than the kid portrayed in the series. I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, if only my son was that easy..." So, in a nutshell, I felt like if anything, it completely downplayed how hard it is for a lot of families. I respect that the series was about many things, not just autism, so, I will just be grateful that it is raising awareness. But, to those who have no first hand experience with raising a child on the spectrum, I just want to say, that what was portrayed was the tip of the iceberg for many families. (HUGS) to those who do have first hand experience. You are not alone. Erin I wonder if we fast forwarded thru the "rough" times for viewer's pleasure. Like if we had seen all the years of therapy and how hard it was on them, people wouldn't have liked it. For example, he said he used to hit and become aggressive when he was stressed (my son) but he has learned to redirect. I hope we get there I hope that it does raise awareness a bit and I hope it gets a second season. Even living with autism, it made me think about a lot of things. I really, really loved the dance and it would be so amazing for a school to do that. I am not sure i see it happening in the real world though.
Stacy My son said they had a silent dance at college last year. He said they did it because the music is so loud and they don't want to disturb those not attending. I really hope it continues. They give flashes of struggles from the past, and I think they could explore that more. It was one of those rare shows we watched as a family, both DH and DS got into it. |
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,633
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Post by janeliz on Aug 18, 2017 14:06:18 GMT
I don't have any experience with a child on the spectrum, but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I thought it was really well acted, with a nice balance of funny and sweet moments.
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Post by smasonnc on Aug 19, 2017 13:28:12 GMT
I binge watched it last weekend. I loved it. The kid who plays Sam was incredible. I was wondering what Aspy families thought. I gave it 9/10 stars because I thought the mom was awful. Maybe she's supposed to look stressed but she just seems scary. I hope they give it at least one more season.
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scrappinmama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,864
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Aug 19, 2017 14:35:17 GMT
I watched the whole series last weekend. I have very mixed feelings about it. I think it is very well done, and well acted. I am going to be brutally honest here, I cried for myself as I watched the series. My 15 has Non Verbal Learning Disorder, which they say is not technically on the spectrum, but, he presents much like an Aspie. He is so, so, much harder than the kid portrayed in the series. I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, if only my son was that easy..." So, in a nutshell, I felt like if anything, it completely downplayed how hard it is for a lot of families. I respect that the series was about many things, not just autism, so, I will just be grateful that it is raising awareness. But, to those who have no first hand experience with raising a child on the spectrum, I just want to say, that what was portrayed was the tip of the iceberg for many families. (HUGS) to those who do have first hand experience. You are not alone. Erin I know where you are coming from. My sons are high functioning in some ways, but definitely have significant struggles. I see stories about people with autism who graduate with degrees, have careers, etc. Then people assume that all people with autism can achieve that. My sons will never get a bachelors degree. They can only read at a 4th grade level and they are 15 an 18. I have a friend with a non-verbal son that will never be able to live independently. Not every person with autism can achieve the success that we see portrayed on tv or the news. |
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Post by jennrs on Aug 19, 2017 14:39:57 GMT
I almost didn't watch it be because I didn't think I would like it but I really enjoyed it. Finished it yesterday.
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Post by smasonnc on Aug 19, 2017 18:27:41 GMT
I really, really loved the dance and it would be so amazing for a school to do that. I am not sure i see it happening in the real world though.
Stacy We lived in Hong Kong and there was a "Silent Disco" company that arranged these. I saw a large group of kids going through the streets dancing along to music the rest of us couldn't hear. It was great. |
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 19, 2017 20:18:32 GMT
I know where you are coming from. My sons are high functioning in some ways, but definitely have significant struggles. I see stories about people with autism who graduate with degrees, have careers, etc. Then people assume that all people with autism can achieve that. My sons will never get a bachelors degree. They can only read at a 4th grade level and they are 15 an 18. I have a friend with a non-verbal son that will never be able to live independently. Not every person with autism can achieve the success that we see portrayed on tv or the news. Yes! I went to a class sponsored by a parent center. The topic was transitioning your special needs children to adulthood. ALL they discussed was college!  It wasn't labeled as high functioning children, just special needs. My daughter could realistically *do* college classes but she is at a 10 year old level maturity wise. Do I want her roaming a college campus? There is one program that has special needs students live on campus with full time advisors. However, my daughter is too smart for the program.  Just how do I pay for her education when we've been paying for therapies, psychologists, special summer camps, items needed for the child, and meds? Realistically she will outlive me. She needs life skills; living independently, getting along with people so she can hold a job, taking care of herself... My eight year old is non-verbal, not toilet trained (long, ongoing process), and harms himself all the time. Who wants to portray that on a TV series? No one. |
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Post by uksue on Aug 19, 2017 22:18:34 GMT
I haven't read the responses in case of spoilers , but would this be suitable for me to watch with my 15.5 yr old son who is on the spectrum ?
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Post by Tammiem2pnc1 on Aug 19, 2017 23:57:21 GMT
I watched the whole series last weekend. I have very mixed feelings about it. I think it is very well done, and well acted. I am going to be brutally honest here, I cried for myself as I watched the series. My 15 has Non Verbal Learning Disorder, which they say is not technically on the spectrum, but, he presents much like an Aspie. He is so, so, much harder than the kid portrayed in the series. I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, if only my son was that easy..." So, in a nutshell, I felt like if anything, it completely downplayed how hard it is for a lot of families. I respect that the series was about many things, not just autism, so, I will just be grateful that it is raising awareness. But, to those who have no first hand experience with raising a child on the spectrum, I just want to say, that what was portrayed was the tip of the iceberg for many families. (HUGS) to those who do have first hand experience. You are not alone. Erin I know where you are coming from. My sons are high functioning in some ways, but definitely have significant struggles. I see stories about people with autism who graduate with degrees, have careers, etc. Then people assume that all people with autism can achieve that. My sons will never get a bachelors degree. They can only read at a 4th grade level and they are 15 an 18. I have a friend with a non-verbal son that will never be able to live independently. Not every person with autism can achieve the success that we see portrayed on tv or the news. I feel you on this. Our son who is on the spectrum is only 8 but can't even read at a kindergarten level. I don't see it changing at any point in the future. He is a whiz at math and is smart as a whip, but just can't read. He has a severe social phobia and again, I don't see that going away where he would be able to participate in normal activities as an adult. College, I don't see it, I don't even see him ever living on his own with his issues. He is considered mid range on the spectrum because of the social phobia and the learning disorder. He isn't completely potty trained but he is verbal. I haven't see this show yet, not sure if i want to or not, though I have friends who have kids on the spectrum and they loved it. |
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Post by tenacious on Aug 20, 2017 3:08:38 GMT
I know where you are coming from. My sons are high functioning in some ways, but definitely have significant struggles. I see stories about people with autism who graduate with degrees, have careers, etc. Then people assume that all people with autism can achieve that. My sons will never get a bachelors degree. They can only read at a 4th grade level and they are 15 an 18. I have a friend with a non-verbal son that will never be able to live independently. Not every person with autism can achieve the success that we see portrayed on tv or the news. I feel you on this. Our son who is on the spectrum is only 8 but can't even read at a kindergarten level. I don't see it changing at any point in the future. He is a whiz at math and is smart as a whip, but just can't read. He has a severe social phobia and again, I don't see that going away where he would be able to participate in normal activities as an adult. College, I don't see it, I don't even see him ever living on his own with his issues. He is considered mid range on the spectrum because of the social phobia and the learning disorder. He isn't completely potty trained but he is verbal. I haven't see this show yet, not sure if i want to or not, though I have friends who have kids on the spectrum and they loved it. I definitely think it was worth watching. Erin |
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Post by lisae on Sept 9, 2017 20:00:08 GMT
We just finished this series last night. I think the most Atypical thing about is that it is Netflix Original programming that actually has believable, likable characters. The only other Netflix show I've watched in that category is Grace and Frankie. Most of what I watch on Netflix came from regular network or cable TV.
Slight spoilers below...
I enjoyed the series and we liked all the characters except Elsa. I get that she felt taken for granted - but what mom doesn't? and her husband left her what 15 years ago but she went too far. I really like Casey and want to see where her character goes. The therapist needs to kick her boyfriend Miles to the curb. "You win?" Really?
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Post by myshelly on Sept 9, 2017 20:19:59 GMT
I haven't read the responses in case of spoilers , but would this be suitable for me to watch with my 15.5 yr old son who is on the spectrum ? Would he be embarrassed by watching sex scenes with you? |
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Post by refugeepea on Sept 25, 2017 17:26:19 GMT
I have now watched all the episodes. My thoughts -As the mom of two kids with Autism (high and low functioning) there is no way in hell I would want to put my effort toward another human being in the form of an affair. Honestly any effort to anyone outside of my family; I am exhausted. I do understand this is about one kid that is high functioning and the mom is doing less for him. I would rather sleep, eat better, take care of myself, go to a movie by myself. Key word; alone! -Holy hell! Sam's girlfriend Paige IS my daughter to a T that is high functioning minus the wanting a boyfriend part. She seriously needs to be diagnosed. Overstepping, bossy, fiercely loyal, loves being in charge, but doesn't consider how she may come across as obnoxious. -Very pleased they tell the story of a neuro typical sibling. -The dad, love his character and how his flaws are exposed and how he's finally coming around and being able to connect with Sam. Also like the mom is backing off but I understand her reservations. LOVED it when he got a hug! -The obsession with Antartica and penguins; spot on for how annoying, amazing, and tiring an interest can be. I'm not sure how to word this, but he is high functioning. Yet for most of the series, he's....always appearing Autistic. I can't count how many times I've been told, oh she has Autism? She doesn't act like it! I don't hear about girls having Autism.... -The prom; never going to happen at a high school for mainstream students. The cost, finding a donor, getting students on board with that idea. I wouldn't expect it to happen either. What I did LOVE was the speech the mom gave to the parents in the meeting about basically pulling their heads out of their asses and realizing the struggle kids with disabilities have every day and to teach your kids some empathy rather than worrying about ruining an updo. -The mom, while I understand her being over protective, requesting a dressing room ahead of time at a store in the mall? Ugh, I just can't make it uncomfortable for everyone else when my kid is having a meltdown in public or make demands that are not realistic. -Sam does an awesome portrayal. The clothes thing, I get it! I ignore most of what my daughter wears and know at least it's clean and she doesn't smell. The wear your deodorant taped to the bathroom mirror made me laugh!  My other kid; I could put a dress or anything I wanted on him and he could not care less. As long as there's not lots of layers. The giant meltdown on the bus was hard to watch because it happens even when a person is high functioning. -The therapist thing is just too far out there. He should NOT be seeing here anymore after what happened. I understand how it's hard to find a good one. My daughter is still upset two years later after her therapist moved. The mom story, I'm having a hard time with. As well as the therapist. As tech savy as Sam is, a person in her profession is probably careful about revealing where she lives. I might have missed something where he accidentally figured it out. There's going to be lots of drama when you have a kid with special needs. So much of this series seems manufactured in a way. For that reason, I'm not really caring if they do a season two. |
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Post by refugeepea on Sept 25, 2017 17:42:27 GMT
He is so, so, much harder than the kid portrayed in the series. I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, if only my son was that easy..." I thought this several times! The affair, the drama with the therapists personal life, ugh! What about Comic Con not going your way and you have one bad week at school, getting suspended after refusing to have your photo taken, telling the therapists you're not my favorite. I wish Jane was here. Shutting down and refusing to do math because you want to be given problems you know how to do. Plenty of story lines that way. |
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Post by pondrunner on Sept 25, 2017 17:45:47 GMT
I felt that the boy was a little one dimensional. Sometimes he seemed to me portrayed as stupid more than experiencing social difficulties which is not IMO an accurate portrayal. I enjoyed the show anyway and laughed out loud at times.
I am married to a man who is on the spectrum so I did see some common aspects. I just didn't find them all to resonate with me.
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It wasn't labeled as high functioning children, just special needs. My daughter could realistically *do* college classes but she is at a 10 year old level maturity wise. Do I want her roaming a college campus? There is one program that has special needs students live on campus with full time advisors. However, my daughter is too smart for the program. 
Just how do I pay for her education when we've been paying for therapies, psychologists, special summer camps, items needed for the child, and meds? Realistically she will outlive me. She needs life skills; living independently, getting along with people so she can hold a job, taking care of herself...
My other kid; I could put a dress or anything I wanted on him and he could not care less. As long as there's not lots of layers. The giant meltdown on the bus was hard to watch because it happens even when a person is high functioning.