Netflix's family drama Atypical returns for its second season on Friday, September 7. In the new episodes, fans will see Sam (Kyle Gilchrist), a teen with autism, join a peer group led by new character "Ms." Whitaker (played by Casey Wilson). Season 2 of Atypical stars eight young actors with autism who will play some of Sam's new friends, and the Netflix special shares some of their stories ahead of its premiere.
Because Gilchrist does not have ASD (autism spectrum disorder), the show received backlash from the autism community during its first season. Viewers can be encouraged by the fact that the second episode of "Atypical" features more actors with autism, which will hopefully deepen the show's portrayal of the disorder.
" Atypical is about a family first and foremost, but it's definitely about the autistic community, so I want the autistic community to be involved as much as possible," series creator Robia Rashid said in a statement told Netflix in the special. “I loved the idea of this peer group and it was more successful, fun and endearing than I could have ever hoped for.”
Viewers get to see these high school students share their successes and struggles in a safe, understanding environment. "Who else achieved something this week?" Ms. Whittaker asked the group in the video. Lily (Nikki Guttleman) throws up her hands and says, "I got a new dentist!"
“The fact that this show hired real autistic actors to play kids with autism is groundbreaking and incredibly powerful,” said Elaine Hall, founder of The Miracle Project, all These young actors all come from the program. According to Netflix, the organization is "a fully inclusive theater, film and expressive arts program for young people with disabilities."
Domonique Brown, who plays Jasper, explains in the video that he has been acting for several years. Nikki Guttman, another member of Sam's peer group, said: "I love performing in this peer group because I'm autistic and we have similarities and we can relate to each other. ”
The fact that the Netflix series depicts characters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) played by actors with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should not be underestimated. "I think people connect with these characters and this show because even though the characters are very specific, the themes are very universal," Rasheed explains. "Finding love, fitting in, finding your identity. Our actors bring it all to life in such a beautiful way, you can read it all in their faces. They're so expressive, it's amazing, I I think it will all come out.”
Spencer Hart, who plays Sabrina, recalls: “When I first found out I was cast on ‘Atypical,’ I was so honored, it was like a dream come true.”
“The most rewarding thing about working on Atypical is basically breaking down the stigma of autism,” said Leila Weiner, who plays Amber on the show.
As Hall in "The Miracle Project" points out, "Acting is the great equalizer—bringing disabled and able-bodied people together." In "Atypical," actors with autism and Actors without autism will share scenes and come together to tell a story.
Ultimately, this peer group seems to celebrate the individuality of each member. “It’s good to be unique,” Guttman said. “If we were all perfect, everything would be boring, you know?”
