I feel like I am on a constant search for new shows, devouring each lengthy season with ease. In my most recent search, I stumbled upon ‘Atypical’, featured in the banner of the Netflix website. I’m a sucker for Netflix originals so I clicked on it and was immediately drawn in. Sam is autistic teenager who begins his search for love and a relationship. It not only focuses on Sam’s spectrum tendencies but also how each member of his family and those around him deal with it.

I don’t know much about autism. I know there is constant research surrounding the condition that requires immense amounts of money. I know that often autistic people are very intelligent and just have trouble in social situations, more than an introvert. I know for some ridiculous reason, some people believe that vaccines can cause the condition.

In just two episodes, I’ve already learned not only the textbook information about autism, but the emotional side of it. Sam is very honest about everything, and enjoys things he specifically knows about, like penguins and the Antarctic. He likes research and having control of situations. He doesn’t like being touched unless it is pressure. He feels closer to his mom instead of his dad, and this causes his dad to feel like he is always reaching for his son’s attention. His sister cares about him more than anyone else and treats him as normally as possible.

The show does a wonderful job of informing the audience about autism and how autistic people, while a little bit different, are just as worthy of respect as anyone else. Through scenes that personally made me feel uncomfortable, I learned how not to treat an autistic person. Not only are some scenes so cringe-y you just can’t forget them, but the show is also filled with humor and relatability. While the title is ‘Atypical’, it makes autism a normal thing.

Lately, Netflix has been wading into the waters of addressing social issues such as race, heavy policing, suicide, and mental disorders. Another great Netflix original I just saw was ‘To The Bone’, featuring Lily Collins in a semi-biographical story about a girl struggling with anorexia. With perfect portrayals and meaningful messages, these Netflix originals may become the new way to reach people’s empathy. Everyone loves a good show, but a show that attaches you to characters you never knew about or gave value to beforehand is important.

I’ll probably tear through the first season of ‘Atypical’, learning more about autism than I ever knew before. For some, learning is always better when you’re enjoying it, and after laughing out loud several times, I think it’s a safe bet the season will get better and better.

For more information on autism, visit http://www.autism-society.org.