Pelos Nossos Olhos

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.

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.

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.

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.