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've worked as a mental health professional long term, and have some background at least with understanding autism, although I won't pretend to be an expert. I haven't seen the original Israeli series either, so can't speak for the remake's authenticity to the original.

From what I know though of autism, although there are some outlandish moments in this show at times, there's also a lot that rings true - and that's been agreed on in other reviews by carers of autistic people here.

This show focuses on a core group of roommates that are moderate - severe on the spectrum, and their aide (depending on each roommate's idiosyncrasies, important to note they can be moderate in some areas, but more severe in a couple of others. Each person is different in their autism, which was great to see). However, it's not necessarily focused then on mild, or very severe (often non-verbal) autism.

It can then feel a bit reductionistic or simplistic occasionally, if you're looking for wide autism coverage scope (which I notice has grated with one or two autistic reviewers already). Maybe that's inevitable however, because of the small scale nature of the show. Autism is quite diverse, and you can't unfortunately represent everybody's personalities in just one small scale comedy-drama series.

Maybe it's not then perfect here, but the writing so often captures well that "verging on chaos, with love" feel that's often present in autism care. Generally the storylines are usually heart felt, tightly acted, and mostly well scripted.

Accusations of this as a "white saviour" tale I've seen in other reviews too? Probably unfair. As you'll see if you stick with it, "saving" sometimes can mean failing, just as much as succeeding. Obstacles are still going to be plenty in future too for everybody, that's clear: whatever certain outcomes are at the end.

The really only significant flaw of this show I found, was perhaps a romance that develops between two of the cast, outside of the core three. It's telegraphed sadly in such an obvious way, and visible a mile before it happens; feeling sadly a bit of a corny, cliched, unnecessary melodrama, when compared to our core three.

It might have been best removed then from the script to be honest - or at least developed gradually over several seasons of the show, rather than crammed into the first. Still, can't make the omelette without breaking a few, as they say - you don't need to be perfect to be good.

In closing then, I think a great effort to start this show on Prime, and I really hope it's renewed for a second season. These characters stay with you, and I really hope we can follow their lives into the future a while yet.

As someone with autism, I appreciate there being a show about the aspects of what it's like being autistic.

While there are an insane amount of struggles, there is always a light that can be worked on and grown. This show is funny and also serious, and I think it shows many things in a realistic way.

Not all people with autism are the same, so I'm glad it shows that.

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.

My husband and I sat down and watched this entries first season in one night. We both have always thought my 51 year old husband is undiagnosed on the spectrum due to certain things he struggles with but most would not notice and is a genius is so many mechanical areas. Seeing him watch this series was something spectacular. He got emotional many times and that is a rare thing for him to show. Our 20 year old son is Autistic but is considered low verbal and low functioning in the expectations of society but does just fine at home with us. We've almost done the apartment for him with the roommates but have held off due to the Pandemic. Although our son won't experience several things that Violet, Jack and Harrison are shown to in the series, it is comforting knowing that there are people out there like Mandy who care enough to make sure they do experience all that they can in life. The role of an advocate for people in need is such an under appreciated career and life path. This show is fantastic on so many levels. It is clearly noted for 16+ and for good reason. This show should be viewed by anyone wanting to advocate or have any involvement with a family member that is a young adult or preparing to become one and what struggles may lie ahead for them. The writing, the delivery, and the chemistry are amazing. I really hope it gets another season.