As We See It

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.