As someone who is personally connected to someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has studied the disorder in various psychology course in college, I was a little skeptical when I saw the ad for a new medical show about a young man with ASD trying to become a surgical resident at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. ASD is characterized by varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.

I worried about how the actor would portray the symptoms of ASD and what the show’s overall view on ASD would appear to be. That previous January I had taken part in a college psychology course where we analyzed different movies and other pop culture sources and their either success or failure in portraying different mental disorders.

So, as I sat down to watch the first episode of the “The Good Doctor,” I was prepared to do as such.

Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Freddie Highmore does a phenomenal job in his characterization of Shaun Murphy, who has autism and savant syndrome, and his portrayal of Shaun’s struggles in this new environment of medical residency.

As someone who knows the symptoms and mannerism of someone with ASD like the back of my hand, I have very little complaints about how Highmore has been directed to perform these mannerisms.

While I find myself laughing at some of Shaun’s responses to social situations, I know the reality of those behaviors and can recognize the show's genuine presentation.

I think the show does well at breaking down and overcoming some of the stereotypes surrounding ASD, both through having a character like Shawn on a show and through having secondary characters that must discover themselves how to break down their own prejudices and see Shaun’s medical talents underneath his disorder.

It’s great that ASD is being represented once again, and in a more educated way, in pop culture compared to movies like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” and “Rain Man.” I love the narrative that is being told in “The Good Doctor,” but I still yearn for a little more.

My brother has severe autism and is nonverbal. While watching the show, every week I hoped that they would bring on a character who would represent my brother.

I got my hopes up after the promo of episode seven, where Shaun meets someone with ASD for the first time, but was let down even though it was still an exceptional episode.

Although, the episode found itself back in my good graces when I learned that the actor who played the character of Liam has the disorder himself. The efforts that this show takes to further permeate their message of inclusion are worth applauding.

For now, I task myself with being the voice for my brother and will continue watching this unique take on a medical drama. The mid-season final definitely left us with a cliffhanger, so I look forward to seeing what’s next on the show.