In the Netflix original tv show, Atypical, an 18 year old boy named Sam tries to navigate high school while living with autism spectrum disorder. He is described to be high functioning and verbal in the show, but there are concerns with the viewers of falling into certain stereotypes of the disorder, as well as showing an uncreative representation of those living with the disorder. The symptoms listed for autism spectrum disorder by the APA (2013) are; persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, restrictive/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. They almost must be present in the early developmental period, and cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning (APA, 2013). 

In Atypical, this is shown in Sam’s social awkwardness, not understanding social cues, or how to spare others feelings, monotone voice, lack of interest in others lives. He also has an obsession with penguins, necessary routines, needing things to go a certain way or else he loses it. Sam shows signs of dealing with sensory overload, where the climax of the first season is centered around him going through a moment of sensory overload (as shown in the clip above). The show also focuses a lot of emphasis on his inability to maintain friendships, and the fact that he has never had a romantic relationships, but wants one desperately.  

Although this show did had a lot of great points, it ended up being controversial in the autism spectrum disorder community. Even though all of the symptoms of someone with high functioning autism were displayed, many viewers felt as though it was almost a caricature of some with his condition. It was considered stereotypical because all of the symptoms seemed to attack at every moment. Even though in the show he is considered  high functioning, he seems misses every social cue, takes ever chance to talk about his penguins, and come across as consistently self absorbed and extremely rude. Viewer complained that someone of his functioning level would not miss the mark socially every single time. There is supposed to be variation and learned behaviors on how to behave in certain situations, not a show taking every plot opportunity to show off the symptoms of autism.

 It also shows a flipped abuser narrative in his relationship with his girlfriend Paige. He is very rude and uncaring towards her, and never considers her feelings, even though she bends over backwards to make her happy. He verbally attacks her often, when in reality, people who have autism spectrum disorder are the ones that are victims of this type of treatment, not the reverse. 

Overall, the show portrayed some good points, and viewers agreed. They felt the writers dod do their homework when it comes to the symptoms of the disorder, as well as an accurate depiction how the family members of those with autism spectrum disorder. It was also applauded for never sugar coating the harsher realities of living with this disorder, for example how hard things can be when over sensitized (clip above). Atypical was clearly very well intended by the writers and producers, but could still be improved on its accuracy.