Actors With Autism Join Netflix Series ‘Atypical’
A Netflix series centering on the experiences of a teen with autism is adding nearly a half-dozen actors on the spectrum to its cast.
With the debut of its second season, the show “Atypical” is introducing five characters with autism who are members of a peer group that’s depicted on the show. All of the characters are played by individuals with the developmental disorder.
“It’s a show, first and foremost it’s about a family, but it’s definitely about the autism community, so I wanted as much involvement from the autism community as possible and I loved the idea of this peer group,” said Robia Rashid, the show’s creator. “It’s just been more successful, more fun and lovely than I even hoped for.”
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“Atypical” premiered on the streaming service last year. It focuses on Sam, an 18-year-old with autism who’s looking for love and independence, and his family.
Keir Gilchrist, who plays Sam, does not have autism. For this season, Netflix indicated that it worked with David Finch who is himself on the spectrum and authored the memoir “The Journal of Best Practices,” to help ensure an accurate representation of autism on the show.
The 10-episode season two of “Atypical” became available on Netflix on Friday.
(Updated: September 11, 2018 at 5:38 p.m. ET)
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