Embed Notice

@nddev @benjamincox @EVDHmn @Shufei @actuallyautistic

Watch it first, don't skip nor drop.

You mentioned, you've only watched the first episode? In Episode 3, IIRC, it was a case about another #Autistic, and she explained to her co-workers that #Autism is a spectrum.

If you judge it by its cover, you'll miss the objective of the show. They cannot possibly pack everything in a single episode just to appease the audience. 😉

Secondly. An autistic like her does exist. It is not exaggerated. You are just different from her. 🙂 Saying she's exaggerated is indirectly telling those like her as "you're exaggerating". Think about it.

Third. Many #ActuallyAutistics approved of that show far more than most other shows (#TV and #Movies) about autism.

Fourth. The show also exposed and brought to the surface, the many discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice, the autistic community faces daily. Even in the realm of romance.

The thing about EAW is that, the audience reaction during its run compliments the show.

For example, when EAW touched on romance, there were audiences who showed their true colours with comments like "people with mental disability should not enter into a relationship nor have kids, they'll only spread their disease", etc.

That kind of people were the target of the show, and the show made them reveal their true colours.

Fifth. The show changed lives. Not everyone, obviously, but it did. Like mine.

I used to mask a lot. I used to hide that I am autistic. But because of EAW, it gave me courage to stand against discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudices; as well as, to be #OpenlyAutistic. It was helpful for my mental health and identity.

I am NOT saying that those who chose to still mask are not doing anything to fight the prejudice. NO. It is a personal matter, and it depends on where you are and your culture. For me, the reason I was masking a lot was because I'm tired of the discrimination. I grew up thinking "something is wrong with me" and "this is the way to do things to be accepted by society".

So, me going open is a fight against the wrong things I personally experienced and the things wrong around me. It is deeply personal. I hope no one misinterprets me on this.

Conclusion: Was EAW perfect?

Of course it isn't. However, based on the number of productions I've seen "about autistics" and where "autistic characters were included just for the sake of including", EAW was the best so far.

The actress herself was a psychology graduate. She initially did not want to take on the role because she's fully aware how important it is to get it right, and it is impossible to appeal to autistics, after all, autism is a spectrum. There will always be "that's not how I am" or "that's not how my relative is".

They made her character a mix of various autistic characteristics. In the latter episodes, they even depicted a meltdown and shutdown, and she did a very good job. I highly applauded her for that scene.

Anyway. 😉