The Netflix phenomenon Love On The Spectrum was likely launched with pure intentions - being one of the most prominent shows to portray people with autism in a positive, sympathetic, and humanistic light - but many of the show's viewers have identified aspects of the series that they believe are insensitive or even offensive to people on the autism spectrum.
Some of these accusations have been lodged on Reddit, where members of the general public can voice their concerns under the protection of anonymity. Complaints include the show infantilizing people with autism, the over editing of the show's participants, and perpetuating potentially sexist trends.
The Show Infantilizes People With Autism
In addition to commending the show's more flattering representations of the autistic community, Reddit user MPaulina expressed concern that the show denies the maturity of its autistic adult stars. This Redditor mentioned that people who are not autistic often treat the primary cast members as children, with "neurotypicals talking in baby voices to autistic adults."
This condescension is also evident by their view of the stars as being more innocent than themselves. Infantilization is a common injustice that people on the autism spectrum face, and it's unfortunate that this show allows it to the extent that it does.
The Introductions Focus Too Heavily On The Cast Members' Autistic Traits
A post on the r/aspergers subreddit by PinkCreativeFox pointed out how the introductions of cast members on the show tend to focus on the autistic traits of the individuals more than they do on their unrelated identifiers, adding that "It almost comes across a bit juvenile."
While the creators of the series may have thought that the focus on the neurodivergence of the stars maintained the theme of the show, this poster, and others, argue that it dehumanizes them. Treating people with autism as full individuals is a critical practice to ensure that they receive proper respect from neurotypical individuals.
The Stars Refer To Autism As A Disability
In a post on the r/autism subreddit, Redditor wavesandtea remarked that they "don't appreciate how the autistic people on the show themselves call it a 'disability.'" In a comment in the same thread wavesandtea elaborates, saying "I understand that by definition it’s a “disability”. However there are sooo (sic) many pros and gifts that come with it, that it bothers me that’s the first thing that is mentioned about it repeatedly." Some in the autistic community believe that their diagnosis is simply a difference in neurological functioning and behavior rather than an impairment.
While those on the spectrum should be free to refer to themselves and their diagnosis with whatever language that they are comfortable with, this Redditor makes an interesting point about the nature of autism and its representation in the show.
Producers Over-Edit The Show
A Redditor whose account has since been deleted posted on the show's subreddit to warn fans that Love On The Spectrum, like most reality shows, is heavily edited by producers to portray cast members in whichever way that they intend. They state "There are many quotes, reactions, moments, etc. that are moved around to show exactly what the producers want you to see." The author of the post referred to Chloe as an example, mentioning that she wished producers had included more instances of her less-flattering behavior in the final edit in order to further humanize her.
While the producers' editing choices solidified Love on the Spectrum as one of the most interesting TV shows at the time of its debut, it's always wise to take behind-the-scenes practices into account when watching reality television - particularly when the specific program covers a topic as important and sensitive as this one does.
The Producers Could Be Taking Advantage Of The Cast Members For Profit
TheBlackBird808 wrote a post wondering if the producers of the series are using the cast members and their experiences in order to make a profit without actual regard for them as individuals, remarking, "I don't know if it's ok to film people during such private moments."
This appears to be a legitimate concern that fans of the show should take into consideration if they are invested in the well-being of their favorite stars. If a show treats people on the autism spectrum as pawns rather than dignified individuals, it can't truly champion them - even if that's the premise of the series.
The Cast Members Come From Similar Families
Reddit user Disastrous_Article mentioned in a detailed post that the vast majority of the Love On The Spectrum subjects come from upper-class families and are supported by loving parents who are sympathetic to their diagnosis, stating that there also exist "parents who routinely deny their childrens (sic) neurodivergence, verbally or physically abuse them etc."
There are certainly scores of people in the community who come from less wealthy families, in addition to those whose parents or guardians make no effort to understand their neurodivergence. The inclusion of such people would render the show a more accurate representation of the autistic community as a whole.
The Show Intends To Entertain Rather Than To Assist Its Stars
MEaglestoner theorized that the producers of the show are more concerned with the entertainment value of the Love On The Spectrum cast members' funniest and most adorable moments than with their growth and development, basing their concern on the minimal assistance that professionals give them as they navigate the dating scene.
The Redditor opined that "(most of) the individuals they had chosen needed proper relationship therapy before they had a chance at long term romance." While audiences expect to be entertained by the program, they also care about the well-being of its stars, and additional professional guidance may equip the cast to be more comfortable and successful as they attempt to find life partners for themselves.
The Show Exclusively Portrays Stereotypical Autism
BasicCaucasianSecks, who identifies as being on the spectrum, claimed that the individuals who were cast on the show represented stereotypical cases of autism and that people with autism who could not identify with them were excluded from the show's narrative, saying, "these stereotypes make it harder for people to accept autistic people that fall out of that stereotype."
While the show has incorporated racial and gender diversity relatively well - in addition to featuring cast members who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community as well as the autism community - it could benefit from stars whose autistic characteristics vary more widely.
Every Date Was Between Two People On The Spectrum
Redditor UniverseBear pointed out that many relationships and singles dates depicted on Love On The Spectrum are between two individuals on the autism spectrum, whereas people with autism often date people without autism. This includes this Redditor, who mentioned that their "gf of 4 years isn't on the spectrum, so I wish there was some focus on those types of relationships as well."
This oversight prevented the show's producers from illustrating the autistic experience as adequately as they could have otherwise, and it may also have implied that people on the spectrum are incapable of forming legitimate relationships with neurotypical people. A third season of the show would benefit from including such a relationship.
There Are Sexist Trends
A commenter on r/AutismInWomen going by smallbonesofcourage noted that the men occasionally dominated the conversations they had with the women during the Love On The Spectrum season 2 dates rather than prioritizing the interests of their date or partner above their own, mentioning that "the men hog the conversations and the women don't."
While this pattern has nothing to do with autism, it does show that misogynistic gender norms are pervasive in all societies and within all demographics. The producers of the series need to be aware of errors such as this - which the men may very well be unaware that they are making - in order to make the dating process more hospitable and enjoyable for everyone who participates in it.