Portrayal of Autism in Netflix's Atypical Within the Autism Community

Portrayal of Autism in Netflix's Atypical Within the Autism Community

As the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increases, there has been a surge in depictions of characters in movies and TV shows who fall within or near the autism spectrum.  Mental disorder has become a common problem in modern life, affecting people of all ages and having a big impact on their wellbeing (Cockerham, 2020). As a result, mental disorders are frequently depicted in media. Mass media is a potent tool for socialization, teaching us and modeling a wide range of behaviors, both good and bad (Galician, 2002). As such, these media representations could have detrimental effects including reinforcing stigma and preconceptions, among other things. But these representations can also help spread the word about the disorder. The new drama/comedy television series "Atypical," which debuted in August, centers on 18-year-old high school student with ASD Sam Gardner. As is the case with many on-screen representations of ASD, the veracity of the presentation is hotly debated despite the fact that eight episodes have been broadcast to date. Many autistic people have expressed disapproval of the show and the decision to cast a non-autistic actor, but is the portrayal that has resulted accurate? Thus, this essay explores how media portrays Autism within the Autism community through the film “Atypical”. 

In the series “Atypical,” Keir Gilchrist plays 18-year-old Sam Gardner, a Connecticut resident with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Sam has a number of traits that are typical of autism. It is common for him to mimic phrases and actions. He frequently finds it difficult to read social cues, and when his family begins to experience hardship, he finds it hard to express his feelings. His intense obsession with Antarctica and its resident species is the primary one that sticks out the most. Sam wants to start a romantic relationship with someone he cares about by the end of high school. Sam receives assistance from his therapist Julia in order to better grasp dating tactics. The focus of the episode shifts to Sam adjusting to college, a new living situation with his best friend Zahid and finally sailing for Antarctica after he discovers a long-term love called Paige (Jenna Boyd). Sam is surrounded by his relatives comprising of Doug, his reluctant father grappling with his son's autism, Elsa, his controlling mother, and Casey, his sister who taunts him nonstop but shields him from the abuse he endures. Every character that revolves around Sam has a backstory (Atypical, 2017). Some of these include Elsa's affair with a bartender, Casey's relationships with Evan and Izzie, Julia's pregnancy and marital problems, and Zahid's unstable lifestyle. Sam's life as a person on the spectrum learning to negotiate various settings is affected by all of these circumstances, both significantly and little. 

As portrayed in the show, Sam’s endeavors to grasp the concept of romance and untangle the web of romantic relationships constitute the major theme of Atypical, providing the audience with an insight into the life of a protagonist on the autism spectrum. The first episode establishes Sam’s pursuit of love as significant aspect of his life and personality development. As we follow Sam's journey in the show, we get to see the special difficulties that come with having autism, especially when it comes to dating and intimacy.  From his romantic approach, we can note the need for rigidity and predictability. This portrays common characteristics linked autism, such as a predilection for routine and challenges with social cues (Forby et al., 2023). Sam’s romantic life can be thoroughly defined by his pursuit of romantic relationships, emphasizing, on the one hand, his specific challenges resulting from autism, particularly in matters of courtship and intimacy, and, on the other, his aspiration of structure and understanding. Throughout the series, Sam's journey in understanding romance evolves as he learns to navigate social cues, express his feelings more openly, and adapt to the unpredictable nature of relationships. As a result, Sam’s portrayal dramatizes how complex and fraught romantic dynamics are unique to the experience of autistic people, emphasizing the critical importance of empathy, realistic expression, and interpersonal reciprocity that foster meaningful connections. 

“Atypical” further explores the complexities of Sam’s family and his family’s role in his romantic life through the lens of his parents and sister’s relationships, experiences, and adventures. The series illustrates the tension between familial responsibilities and people’s personal desires, as people connected to Sam juggle their personal feelings and desires with their commitment to supporting and standing by Sam. Their involvement explicates and complicates the connections in autistic romance, as shown by familial relationships informing romantic partnerships. Doug and Elsa, Sam’s mother and father, have their own concerns about their marriage. Still, the two dive into the task of understanding Sam’s romantic life to reshape their characters (Atypical, 2017). They portray the delicate balance between personal satisfaction and fulfilling familial duty. On the other hand, Casey, Sam’s sister, also embarks on her own path of self-discovery and personal formation, finding herself torn between fostering connections with her friends and finding peace in relationships while standing by her brother’s side. In such a way, “Atypical” delves deeper into the intricacies of family ties vs. romantic affairs in connection to Sam’s romantic pursuits, showcasing the deep understanding of love and support that nurtures member of one family while experiencing fluctuations depending on or due to romantic relationships, especially in connection to Sam’s personality “flaw,” autism. 

The way that disability is portrayed in society is greatly influenced by the audiences. Disability perception is a significant concept that influences society's moral compass as well as the welfare of people with impairments (Babik & Gardner, 2021). People with disabilities experience social exclusion and isolation as a result of negative views toward disability. In contrast, a healthy society fosters social inclusion and favorable attitudes toward people with such disorders especially Autism. I’ve heard people refer to therapeutic practices as “cures” for people with autism for autistic individuals’ "cures" demonstrating the continued belief among some that it is just an illness. However, due to the abundance of resources available on social media sites, people with autism may now share their own personal experiences. The YouTube channel Autism Family is an excellent example of this, if not a perfect one. It appears to be geared toward parents of children with autism. In a video, one of their children talks about what it's like to have autism that is "high-functioning" (Autism Family, 2022). Even if he is raising his son, the father still has space to express himself and is a wonderful assistance in building relationships. 

Atypical's premise is unquestionably a breath of new air compared to many prior disability portrayals. Sam doesn't use superpowers to overcome his disorder, he isn't pitied for the majority of the episode (if he is, it's due to other reasons), and he isn't incompetent in any manner. Sam is a regular guy, like everyone else in the world. On a basic level, viewers of this show will witness someone with autism experience all of the hardships that the rest of us face every day. These are the kinds of challenges that the typical teen or adult might have, such as finding love, deciding where to attend college, adjusting to a new environment, and many more. Seeing someone who appears different draws them and the audience closer together and might establish a connection. However, his hollow and artificial nature can easily shatter that connection after it has been established and the audience starts to assess him as a human being. As said before, Sam's viewpoint on problematic circumstances isn't given the attention it deserves. This downplays the perspective of what trauma looks like for a person with a disability. In the Questing Refuge video "Atypical & Autism in Media | We Don't Talk About Disability Issues," he draws attention to the fact that there are several instances in which Sam is mistreated or that someone brings up a distressing detail (like his father leaving), but he brushes it off and the showrunners usually focus on the people who are close to him (Questing Refuge, 2020). Not that Sam doesn't show emotion; in fact, he does. even though it's barely mentioned. This will convey the idea that all autistic persons act like this and are still someone (or maybe something different), even though audiences may still see him as a typical person. 

In my view, I believe the shows representation of autism is on point.  Sam's family accurately illustrates how a family might adjust to having a member with autism. Sam's autism has a purpose because of their reactions, even though nothing new is being generated. Knowing everything there is to know about Sam, Elsa will stop at nothing to ensure his happiness and safety. She freaked out and tries to take control of the situation when she finds out that he wants to go into uncomfortable parts of the world (like dating and college). Doug left the family for eight months because he was so uncomfortable with his son's illness. He may seem distant from Sam, but he still genuinely loves his kid and wants the best for him. He wants Sam to explore new things, unlike Elsa. Even though Casey aggravates Sam to the maximum degree, Casey will stop at nothing to make sure Sam is alright. She wants nothing but the best for him, but she is harsh and tries to irritate him like any sibling would. They still have the vibe of an ordinary suburban family, but they work really well with Sam's persona. 

In conclusion, "Atypical" is widely acknowledge for its commitment to authentic representation, particularly regarding the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum, including their romantic lives.  Sam's character is portrayed with depth and complexity, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and joys he encounters in romantic relationships. Through Sam's journey, the series provides insight into the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals with autism, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating romantic interactions. The portrayal of Sam's romantic pursuits is not idealized or simplified but rather reflects the complexities and nuances of real-life relationships, resonating with audiences and fostering greater awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity. Thus, "Atypical" sets a commendable standard for authentic representation in media, portraying autistic romance with sensitivity, respect, and honesty. 

References 

Autism family (2022) YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Wa8Py59GIazwSzvC8v1Hg (Accessed: 02 April 2024). 

Atypical (2017). (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6315640/mediaviewer/rm2988229889/?ref_=tt_ov_i 

Babik, I., & Gardner, E. S. (2021). Factors affecting the perception of disability: A developmental perspective. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 702166. 

Cockerham, W. C. (2020). Sociology of mental disorder. Routledge. 

Forby, L., Anderson, N. C., Cheng, J. T., Foulsham, T., Karstadt, B., Dawson, J., ... & Kingstone, A. (2023). Reading the room: Autistic traits, gaze behaviour, and the ability to infer social relationships. Plos one, 18(3), e0282310. 

Galician, M. (2002). The influence of the mass media: Research & theories of mass media effects on individuals & society.

Questing Refuge. (2020, December 30). Atypical & autism in media | we don't talk about disability issues. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KtKmO8jSZU