Atypical is a Netflix Show about a teen named Same who is on the Autism spectrum. This show came out recently as of August 2017. At first, I was not sure if I would like this show. Would it make me feel uncomfortable? Would the producers, directors, and actors go about this the right way? As time went on, more and more people started to love the show.
Since the second season came out, I decided to give this show that had proven popular a try. I loved the show and to answer all of the questions above, no it did not make me uncomfortable. If anything, it helped me understand those who are on the spectrum. Even more so, it helped me understand the lives of those who have a child or sibling or even a friend who is on the spectrum.
A lot of us can have a hard time understanding those who have a disability in general, especially when we choose to remain ignorant on the subject, to begin with. Atypical shows us that people on the spectrum might face certain challenges that are easy for people that are what the show calls "neurotypicals," but they are just like you and me. They want to have friends, find love, and overall be happy.
The show does not just show us the good side of things, but the tougher part as well. It shows us what can happen when things go wrong and what can happen when people don't try to understand those who are on the spectrum. While Sam is a high-functioning teenager with autism, the show does mention that there are those on the spectrum who have trouble just forming sentences. It reminds us that there are all forms of autism and we should all be accommodating to those different struggles, however that may be.
In the show, Same mentions that there are maybe one or two people that treat him like he is a normal person. One of those people is his friend/co-worker named Zahid. Sam mentions how much he appreciates Zahid for treating him like he's normal. It's crazy to think that we wouldn't treat someone like an actual human being just because they might have a disability. One of the main things I took away from watching the show is we should be more like Zahid as far as how he treats everyone with an equal amount of respect and dignity no matter who you are.
I have to admit, I was ignorant on the subject as a whole. Some might say ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power and does make the world a better place. If we all just took the time to educate ourselves on what autism is and how it can affect a person, then this world would be a better place for those who have to deal with it. Atypical educated me where I lacked knowledge and understanding. This show has without a doubt taught me to be better, and I will do better from here on out.
