A Kind of Spark

I watched this show in under 2 days which for me is amazing but I just couldn't stop watching it. The story is very interesting and unlike any other shows on autism which I've seen. First of all it showed autism in girls which is under-researched and generally talked less about than autism in boys. The main character and her sister both have autism and I love how they showed that different autistic people present differently, even within the same family. I also loved how it didn't fall into the trope of presenting autistic people are emotionless or rude. Both girls had personalities and were likable. It also didn't shy away from what it means to be autistic nor treat the girls like burdens or charity cases. The story mirrors a historical mystery and I found the revelations from that story just as heartwarming. It highlighted the challenges autistic people face but also gave a hopeful happy ending that for every bad person there's someone who wants to help. Educational and emotional, a wonderful show.

I know this is a children's TV series, but I really enjoyed it as an adult viewer.

I thought the representations of Addie and Keedie were perfect and - as a late diagnosed autistic woman - I strongly related to both characters. I also appreciated the inclusion of neurodivergent actors in the show (including Caitlin Hamilton playing a "neurotypical" character).

I loved the presentation of a "normal" family - unlike the usual "look how much we have to sacrifice" trope. Nina and Audrey's characters were also great.

I also thought it was a great concept to show parallels with the witch trials and the way autistic people are treated in modern times.

This is a story of sisterhood, of standing together and fighting for the truth - and, ultimately a story of kindness and acceptance. We can all learn something from this show.

There are many things I like about this show. I'm an adult who has always struggled to fit in and I love how it pushes that being yourself is always better than trying to be like everyone else.

However as a teacher it angers me what Miss Murphy did. She did not use best practice at all and should have been fired for calling a child a freak and definitely should not have been alone with a child. I'm sure there are black and white teachers who can't deal with students with different needs. But it isn't all of them and we get professional development on how to best differentiate for all the different needs in the class. The history project she gave Keedie's class should have had some different options for how they were to present it. Like oral, written artwork etc... unless it is an English subject it is not assessing writing. There are many other ways that this show inaccurately portrays teachers and schools in this day and age but I know that it wouldn't get the point across as much so I do understand that.

So many times quote on quote representation for those on the spectrum, fails to accurately and actually represent anyone. I've seen it time and time again, and I can say with 100% certainty that this is not the case with a kind of spark. As a neurodivergent woman myself, a kind of spark nails what shows in America have never dared, and that's to paint authentic autistic stories in a positive light. Atypical made us out to be a problem. The good doctor is a sterotype, and the only good representation that barely got by in the states was Everything's gonna be ok. But with a show like A kind of Spark, finally, there is a story with a positive family who understand that while their children are autistic, they are far from being burdens, and they are afar from being problems. The ableism in the show is clear, and the ignorance still rings true to today, I have experienced it myself. Some of it from teachers, and some of it from total strangers or even peers. A kind of spark dares to show a wide facet of the autistic experience in both its protagonists, keedie & Addie, and it is completely and utterly needed. Shows before it, movies before it, fell short. And finally, after all these years, of needing a show that will make many of those on the spectrum feel seen, and heard and absolutely understood, A kind of spark does all this and more. Season 2 is going to be amazing and I hope more people, specifically neurodivergent people, realize we can tell our own stories and that our voices are important to be heard. I want more shows and books and stories about Autistic people for autistic people with autistic individuals and actors at the forefront. Because it is valuable.

The long & the short, this show is for the neurodivergents, and it's 100% worth your time. It's beautiful. It's sweet. It has heart. It's honest, endearing, encouraging, and incredible.

A Kind of Spark is a good television series. I do like that we have a show with the main characters all neurodivergent, as this is very rare.

The episodes are well-written and the actors perform excellently and portray their roles well.

Good storytelling and good plots.

It is great that they cover autism as well as meltdowns, as it resonates with the audience.

9/10, could be a 10/10 as there could be minor improvements. I feel like they could have added more teachers and seen their perspectives and maybe a few more supporting actors and more topics to delve into, however these are minor things.

Would recommend.