As an autistic person, is it okay to like Love on the Spectrum?
I liked it because I could relate to them, because they always asked before hugging someone (like the respect for another's personal space) etc. They showed (me) that dating, especially another autistic person, could be fun. And tbh, I've never dated, and looking at NT dating shows never made me want to try it.
I think it's totally okay for an autistic person to see the show as relatable!!! I think the show did well with showing relatability in the autistic people, and even in some of the families in all honesty. I think they even did well with lots of accommodations, like you mentioned.
My big issue honestly is just with how allistics viewed the show. It was really hard to watch it with people who weren't autistic (cue lots of ableism from them π«) but honestly before I watched it with them I kinda found it relatable and likeable too! If I had watched it with another autistic person it probably would've been enjoyable to watch.
When I first heard of the show before seeing it I was so excited about the idea. Sadly however, I think there are issues with some of the content in the show, such as functioning labels and some stuff from the counselor (psychologist? Don't remember, sorry!) As well as how sometimes it felt like autistic people were infantized. It should be acknowledged that every show is going to have problematic issues (I feel like it's kinda sadly unavoidable). Also I felt like the target audience wasn't autistic people and was instead NT ppl, which just felt uncomfy to me. Acknowledging the problems and still finding parts of the show enjoyable/relatable/etc. is 10000% okay!!!!
(I feel like if the show was made with a mostly/if-not all autistic production team then it would've been AMAZING bc those issues would've been diluted heavily.)
For an example if it helps, I really like The Umbrella Academy on Netflix! Unfortunately, the show is rampant with anti-semitism and general issues and flaws and problematic things. I can acknowledge those issues and still find things to enjoy about the show! Things are RARELY ever completely good/bad, and most entertainment has a lot of nuance to dig through. There are some amazing dynamics to be found in The Umbrella Academy, but there are also a lot of issues.
TL;DR: problematic-ness and enjoyability/relatability can coexist in entertainment!!!! I'm glad you found relatability in the show (I did too despite the issues!) And pls don't feel too discouraged to enjoy that relatability by the problems with the show and with people's opinions; if you need anything more anon pls send an ask or even DM me! π
