User Reviews

For starters, we have 3 autistic characters who are trying to become independent. I love that all 3 of them have different personalities when usually on shows with autistic characters autism is portrayed as a personality.

Each character has very different struggles which are also realistic. Violet wants to get a boyfriend for some resemblance of "normality". Jack is dealing with his dad's illness and feeling the pressure of having to stand on his own, with no support system. Harrison struggles to get out of the house because of several hypersensitivities.

In between all of this, their families struggle with a balance between wanting them to change and accepting them as they are. Sad but also quite realistic. They struggle with starting and maintaining relationships. They struggle with getting and keeping a job. These are things most autistics can identify with.

I would have liked the show to focus more on mental health which is pretty much absent for the whole season. Mandy is not a psychologist and I find it hard to believe these characters would have families that support them but no mental health services.

My husband and I sat down and watched this entries first season in one night. We both have always thought my 51 year old husband is undiagnosed on the spectrum due to certain things he struggles with but most would not notice and is a genius is so many mechanical areas. Seeing him watch this series was something spectacular. He got emotional many times and that is a rare thing for him to show. Our 20 year old son is Autistic but is considered low verbal and low functioning in the expectations of society but does just fine at home with us. We've almost done the apartment for him with the roommates but have held off due to the Pandemic. Although our son won't experience several things that Violet, Jack and Harrison are shown to in the series, it is comforting knowing that there are people out there like Mandy who care enough to make sure they do experience all that they can in life. The role of an advocate for people in need is such an under appreciated career and life path. This show is fantastic on so many levels. It is clearly noted for 16+ and for good reason. This show should be viewed by anyone wanting to advocate or have any involvement with a family member that is a young adult or preparing to become one and what struggles may lie ahead for them. The writing, the delivery, and the chemistry are amazing. I really hope it gets another season.

As an autistic adult it is absolutely fantastic to see more autistic characters on screen. Overall, I think this show did OK representing lives of autistic adults with high support needs. I would have liked to see more diversity in the characters represented. I did not agree with some of the ways the neurotypicals tried to help the autistic characters. Some of this can be explained by everyone just trying their best to get their stuff together and genuinley making mistakes (some of these are recognised in the show). But there is no need to force eye contact, wear overly uncomfortable clothes and force socialisation when it might not be possible that week. Who came up with the goals it did not seem to me like the adults where in charge of this part of their life. However, I definitely can relate to the characters on the screen and it feels good to be seen.

I have autism and relate to the main characters. The sound anxiety, not having a filter, meltdowns just not as much as I did when I was younger, and especially trouble socializing. As We See It is one of the most accurate representations of life on the spectrum, definitely deserves praise! Ambient music is brilliant in it when it happens. I love Harrison (Albert Rutecki) he's great and Mandy (Sosie Bacon) is wonderful throughout!

This show I binged all 8 episodes at once and I wish I didn't. This show is so freaking good, the acting by everyone is superb and the cinematography and stories are all top notch. I highly recommend this show, it has heart and soul and is extremely funny too!

As someone with autism, I appreciate there being a show about the aspects of what it's like being autistic.

While there are an insane amount of struggles, there is always a light that can be worked on and grown. This show is funny and also serious, and I think it shows many things in a realistic way.

Not all people with autism are the same, so I'm glad it shows that.

I've worked as a mental health professional long term, and have some background at least with understanding autism, although I won't pretend to be an expert. I haven't seen the original Israeli series either, so can't speak for the remake's authenticity to the original.

From what I know though of autism, although there are some outlandish moments in this show at times, there's also a lot that rings true - and that's been agreed on in other reviews by carers of autistic people here.

This show focuses on a core group of roommates that are moderate - severe on the spectrum, and their aide (depending on each roommate's idiosyncrasies, important to note they can be moderate in some areas, but more severe in a couple of others. Each person is different in their autism, which was great to see). However, it's not necessarily focused then on mild, or very severe (often non-verbal) autism.

It can then feel a bit reductionistic or simplistic occasionally, if you're looking for wide autism coverage scope (which I notice has grated with one or two autistic reviewers already). Maybe that's inevitable however, because of the small scale nature of the show. Autism is quite diverse, and you can't unfortunately represent everybody's personalities in just one small scale comedy-drama series.

Maybe it's not then perfect here, but the writing so often captures well that "verging on chaos, with love" feel that's often present in autism care. Generally the storylines are usually heart felt, tightly acted, and mostly well scripted.

Accusations of this as a "white saviour" tale I've seen in other reviews too? Probably unfair. As you'll see if you stick with it, "saving" sometimes can mean failing, just as much as succeeding. Obstacles are still going to be plenty in future too for everybody, that's clear: whatever certain outcomes are at the end.

The really only significant flaw of this show I found, was perhaps a romance that develops between two of the cast, outside of the core three. It's telegraphed sadly in such an obvious way, and visible a mile before it happens; feeling sadly a bit of a corny, cliched, unnecessary melodrama, when compared to our core three.

It might have been best removed then from the script to be honest - or at least developed gradually over several seasons of the show, rather than crammed into the first. Still, can't make the omelette without breaking a few, as they say - you don't need to be perfect to be good.

In closing then, I think a great effort to start this show on Prime, and I really hope it's renewed for a second season. These characters stay with you, and I really hope we can follow their lives into the future a while yet.

I am a support worker for adults on the autistic spectrum. This programme is brilliant. It is honest and real and shows how life can be for people with autism and also for their loved ones and friends. Every character reminded me of somebody I work with and it is funny, emotional and interesting. You don't have to see it as a programme about autism or be particularly interested in the condition - it is very entertaining and will probably open people's minds without forcing it down their throats. I cannot recommend it enough. It brought tears to my eyes for different reasons as it hits home in a wonderful way. The bonus videos are also well worth a watch as it features some of the actors (who are autistic 'irl' as Violet would say!) relating some of their experiences and explaining a little about behaviours and what they mean. It's about time something like this was created and I for one am very grateful. My only complaint is that there weren't more episodes so I really hope another series is imminent.

I can't believe this show is cancelled. It's so gross that Amazon cancelled it - this is one of the best shows ever- and SO IMPORTANT for this representation. We need to know what happens with Maddie, Violet, Jack and Harrison.

What a touching, amazing show - I've laughed and cried through all of it and my husband and I watched all eight episodes in one evening. I hope some other network or streaming service picks it up- it will be a tragic mistake to let it go.

I don't know if these actors are autistic in real life but their portrayal of these characters is so real, so moving, and just really shows the different sides of living on the spectrum.

I am halfway through this season and it is so awesome! Its a series about people living on the autism spectrum and the three kids are actually on the spectrum.

I was hopeful about this show, that it might have been a step towards the better representation we autistic people are long overdue, and the fact the autistic characters are played by autistic actors is a big positive. But I remain unconvinced a neurotypical writer can tell autistic stories and it's very disappointing to learn the writer consulted with Autism Speaks, a group that many in the community consider a hate group because of the egregiousness of the way they have represented us. There are plenty of talented autistic writers in the world, there is no reason we shouldn't be allowed to tell our own stories.

The biggest problem in this show was Mandy. She is basically a neurotypical saviour, following in the footsteps of the white saviour trope. Too many times autistic characters are props in her story. And as a support worker she is awful - dictating goals to autistic people based on neurotypical ways of living and making Harrison undergo exposure therapy for sensory sensitivity which doesn't work. Exposure only heightens sensitivity and increases distress. There is no need at all for him to be forced into uncomfortable clothing and situations to please his family and it is a child who suggests the very obvious solution of sunglasses and ear protectors.

The autistic characters were reduced to lazy stereotypes.

Jack thinks he is masking and passing as neurotypical but this character plays into the lazy trope of blunt, rude, uncaring and unempathetic. Autistic people lacking empathy is a harmful myth, often the opposite is true with many of us experiencing hyperempathy. Personally I am prone to blunt, direct communication but I am very aware of other people's feelings and care deeply. If I do slip and say something bluntly that upsets someone I feel awful afterwards and ruminate on it, that is a common reaction. An autistic person who is masking doesn't walk around being rude to people, they might be very agreeable to the point they betray themselves and afterwards when they are in solitude crash into exhaustion, it comes at a cost. Jack's reaction to his father's diagnosis was very realistic and the scene in the doctor's office of him grilling a doctor mirrors a similar event in my life very closely. I appreciated the subtle parts of this character - fidgeting, rocking, echolalia, being sensitive to smell.

Violet's desire for autonomy was a very upsetting storyline. Her brother's character deserved a lot more criticism for his controlling, steamrolling conduct and this was presented with far more sympathy than it deserved. Her naivety and vulnerability in romantic and sexual relationships is very true to the reality of a lot of autistic women's experiences. Sadly abuse is common. At least Mandy suggested she could be given guidance to navigate the world and find safe and healthy connection but it's a shame this wasn't just shown. Finding comfort from soft toys and things that are typically "for children" is common among us.

Harrison deserved much more accommodation and support for his sensory sensitivities and I hated his family talking behind his back. There's not much to say about this character as he is basically a prop for Mandy's story. Sensory sensitivity is not agoraphobia, not anxiety (but it can cause anxiety) and pushing through is not a good strategy, it can be done but comes at a cost.

Douglas may have been a minor character but was one of my favourites.

There were so many missed opportunities - to show autistic people who are independent (we exist), to show those living with cooccurring conditions, to show trans, queer, poly or ace autistic people, to show autistic people with intellectual disability or who are non-verbal, to show autistic people who are very engaged in global autistic community and advocates for neurodiversity and are proud in their autistic identity.

If there is a second season it would be my hope that Mandy is gone or gets a clue and that autistic voices are engaged much more in the writing process.

I would also really like to encourage other reviewers to not assume they understand autistic experience based on being a parent of, or friend to an autistic person or having worked with autistic people. It's not the same, and as inappropriate as if a white person presumed to understand black experience because they have a black friend or a straight person pretending to understand queer experience. If you haven't lived it then you don't know and you're just talking over autistic voices and we are already marginalised enough.

We're here, we can speak for ourselves.

Dude! This story is baller. I was only planning to watch one or two episode of season 1 but it got me binge watch the whole season. It was funny, heartful, dramatic and got me angry time to time as well, which is like perfect. Hahahahaha. I am very much looking forward to seeing season 2.

I don't normally do reviews but this show was a surprise I was bored had none to watch seen it and boy it took me by storm I fell in love with it and binged all 8 episodes in one night, it's heartfelt, funny, serious, and all around amazing in my opinion a must watch.

So good - so we'll done, we'll acted - lots of emotions - it's a great! This is one of the best we've seen in a while! It's a terrific new series! Lots of fun!

The performances are spectacular! This is such a good show.. really gives you a change to see the world from another perspective. This will make you laugh, and make you cry at the same time. Well worth your time.

It was a pretty good show. But I know that kind of show is not for everyone. I saw reviews that said it's not funny or didn't laugh, I don't think it was meant to be. The spotlight is on behavior and interactions of people with social disabilities who are almost able to be on their own in our society. Acting is good, script is good, realisation is good. I think lot of people will like it and I hope more seasons are to come.

In theory, this show should be good-really good. It's important to feature atypical people on the spectrum.

But several of the characters are written in a flat, superficial way. The Mandy character (aide / coach) comes off as too chirpy and smiley and is always so quick to connect. The script misses out on the frustrating rough spots she surely would encounter when facilitating this living environment. The actor (Sosie Bacon) tries her hardest, but resembling her parents, along with her acting style being so similar to her dad... this all became a distraction, at least for me.

The character of Violet comes off as whiny, delivered in her squeaky voice, and she is constantly going through a crisis. This quickly becomes tiring for the viewer... her character needs to be fleshed out.

The characters which come across the most genuinely are Jack (played by Rick Glassman) and his dad, Lou (Joe Mantegna)... their interactions feel right, and Glassman's comic timing is the highlight of the show. Chris Pang as Van also delivers a sensitive characterization.

After watching the entire season, I'm not convinced that I should return for Season 2.

As someone who is an "Aspi" or Aspergers I really like this show. It's good to see them portraying us as not being all like Sheldon. While I'm more like Jack personally we are still different to each other.

Let's hope they no more of the series as it can show those who have Autism that they can survive in the "normal" world.

If only IMBD would cater to everyone and not make us waste space by typing so many words. A lot of people want to just get to the point and not waffle.

Would get more people leaving reviews as well. Do we really need so many words when the point can be made in a few sentences?

Just wish people (and writers) would stop referring to those that are NOT on the spectrum as "normal". Anyone with any kind of diagnosis shouldn't EVER be made to feel that are NOT "normal". Maybe "typical" is a better verbage.

I have a 17 year old "high" functioning son and can tell you that the portrayals of different forms of "high" functioning autism are very accurate. My son is like Jack. He's smart but very blunt. His teen group is filled with Jacks, Violets and Harrisons. The series doesn't sugarcoat autism. There are highs and there are lows...as in life. I thought the acting was superb. Our kids aren't easy but they are so worth it. I hope folks who aren't familiar with autism will watch this series.

Lots can be said for authenticity - and it clearly is on reviews here, but what really drives me crazy is that the characters seem to have no adjectives other than 'awesome' and 'amazing'. I guess it's due to a lack of vocabulary of writers but then, it does seem to reflect most people in general. But why put it in scripts SO often? There are hundreds of adjectives all out there for the taking... I would expect that writers... who write for a living, would want to make use of them. But I guess not.

Why are people on the spectrum always portrayed as helpless? Or that they are not empathetic? Why do you never see an autistic person who manages himself? Most people do well even without someone having to control every single thing they do. Forcing an autistic person to do something will most likely have the opposite effect. They are adults, but are treated like young children.

As an adult who -- thanks to Ray Romano's character on Parenthood (TV series) -- only recently realized that I had mild Asperger's, I could relate with many of the very difficult challenges faced by Jack, Violet & Harrison. As well as their loved ones. And also everyone they interact with.

But even with my self realization, it's extremely hard to 'rewire' your brain to be more empathetic, considerate and Not share every thought in your head. Friendships & relationships can be so very difficult. It's like you are only able to play checkers in a world where most can play chess. I wish I had more patient/understanding people in my life like caring, life coach, Mandy.

It can be a very lonely life :-(

I recommend this show, and hope there are more seasons.