While many shows focus on the life of an ‘average teen’, entertainment has only recently been branching outside of what is considered “conventional.” The result of this increasing call for representation is a Netflix original show about a high school senior named Sam Gardner, played by Kier Gilchrist, who has high-functioning autism that creates the name of the show: “Atypical.”

The show is overall comedic and slightly dramatic, especially when Sam’s family members are involved. The actors do a phenomenal job at portraying the characters and in turn, it drives the plot well. Sam’s mom, Elsa, who is portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh, is overprotective even when she doesn’t need to be, but it comes from the right place. His dad, Doug Gardner, is played by Michael Rapaport and comes off as distant, but is slowly trying to be more involved in his son’s life. Unlike  Sam’s mother, his sister Casey, played by Brigette Lundy-Paine,  treats her brother as she would anyone else. She will poke fun, and have the usual back and forth sibling banter. The comedy in this show tends to be very dry and often uses Sam’s reactions to situations as the subject for humor. For example,  his literal take on the saying, “Go get ‘em” which in response he states, “Go where and get who?”

Even though the show is named “Atypical,” Sam happens to go through some pretty average teen scenarios. The show opens up with him wanting to date, but not really knowing how to go about it. He has trouble talking to girls and understanding how relationships work, which most people can relate to. Along with the struggles of becoming increasingly independent, and Sam’s mother coming to terms with not being depended on anymore.

Many TV shows often talk about social issues, but rarely do we hear about the message this show delivers. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ableism is defined as, “discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities.” Like other forms of oppression, the issue is intersectional, meaning it has varying forms of visibility and intensity. The show talks about ableism, and what it might feel like for someone in this situation. It further goes into detail about how they might be going through pretty normal stuff in comparison to everyone else. It also brings up questions of word choice and how people should be using the appropriate terminology when referencing those with disabilities, how some people respond after meeting someone with autism, and what family life can look like when there is a child with autism . “Atypical” displays an issue that most people don’t always  think about, yet the show is made relatable to anyone who watches it. While there could be better representation of how a more average person with autism would exist, it takes steps in the right direction.

There is a notable shift occurring in television due to the increasing call for representation and diversity and this show can be considered one of them. “Atypical” is eye-opening and educates its audience about a topic that often goes unnoticed.