As We See It

I don't normally do reviews but this show was a surprise I was bored had none to watch seen it and boy it took me by storm I fell in love with it and binged all 8 episodes in one night, it's heartfelt, funny, serious, and all around amazing in my opinion a must watch.

I am a support worker for adults on the autistic spectrum. This programme is brilliant. It is honest and real and shows how life can be for people with autism and also for their loved ones and friends. Every character reminded me of somebody I work with and it is funny, emotional and interesting. You don't have to see it as a programme about autism or be particularly interested in the condition - it is very entertaining and will probably open people's minds without forcing it down their throats. I cannot recommend it enough. It brought tears to my eyes for different reasons as it hits home in a wonderful way. The bonus videos are also well worth a watch as it features some of the actors (who are autistic 'irl' as Violet would say!) relating some of their experiences and explaining a little about behaviours and what they mean. It's about time something like this was created and I for one am very grateful. My only complaint is that there weren't more episodes so I really hope another series is imminent.

For starters, we have 3 autistic characters who are trying to become independent. I love that all 3 of them have different personalities when usually on shows with autistic characters autism is portrayed as a personality.

Each character has very different struggles which are also realistic. Violet wants to get a boyfriend for some resemblance of "normality". Jack is dealing with his dad's illness and feeling the pressure of having to stand on his own, with no support system. Harrison struggles to get out of the house because of several hypersensitivities.

In between all of this, their families struggle with a balance between wanting them to change and accepting them as they are. Sad but also quite realistic. They struggle with starting and maintaining relationships. They struggle with getting and keeping a job. These are things most autistics can identify with.

I would have liked the show to focus more on mental health which is pretty much absent for the whole season. Mandy is not a psychologist and I find it hard to believe these characters would have families that support them but no mental health services.

As an autistic adult it is absolutely fantastic to see more autistic characters on screen. Overall, I think this show did OK representing lives of autistic adults with high support needs. I would have liked to see more diversity in the characters represented. I did not agree with some of the ways the neurotypicals tried to help the autistic characters. Some of this can be explained by everyone just trying their best to get their stuff together and genuinley making mistakes (some of these are recognised in the show). But there is no need to force eye contact, wear overly uncomfortable clothes and force socialisation when it might not be possible that week. Who came up with the goals it did not seem to me like the adults where in charge of this part of their life. However, I definitely can relate to the characters on the screen and it feels good to be seen.

I have autism and relate to the main characters. The sound anxiety, not having a filter, meltdowns just not as much as I did when I was younger, and especially trouble socializing. As We See It is one of the most accurate representations of life on the spectrum, definitely deserves praise! Ambient music is brilliant in it when it happens. I love Harrison (Albert Rutecki) he's great and Mandy (Sosie Bacon) is wonderful throughout!