Shows and movies are important in the media world in today’s society. One of the main things film media is meant to do is entertain. This can be shown in many forms, whether the form is fantasy, science fiction, documentary, etc., they are meant to draw you in and show viewers things/situations they may have never seen before. Some shows are made to make you think about other perspectives and how things and lives may be different from our own. Recently, I have been watching a show that does just that: Love on the Spectrum.
For those who do not know the show, it is a three-season running reality show about individuals on the spectrum going to find love and happiness with another (Trailer Below). The show currently focuses on seven people with autism and their journey to find love while confronting inaccuracies about themselves and how they want to live their lives. What makes this show unique is all the different personalities we get to know and love. The show does a good job of highlighting the distinctive qualities of each person. This show is meant to show the world a different side to autism, and to also show what it may be like for them to find a partner.
Though this show expresses positivity, many people believe it is strictly for entertainment purposes and is exploiting rather than benefiting. I believe that statement to be false. It is meant to open the minds of individuals who believe that people with autism are not functional human beings with lives. The show values exhibiting the cast’s unique attributes relating to their autism, as well as the characteristics that make them who they are. For example, one of the members of the cast, David Isaacman (shown below with fiancée Abbey Romeo), has a specific form of autism called Synesthesia that allows him to associate a color with a certain number.
The show does a great job of showing the different levels of autism and how it affects the cast’s lives and their families. This program also challenges the stereotypes society has implemented into the world by showing everyone’s different living styles. For example, one member of the Love on the Spectrum cast, Madison, prefers to live by herself. This shows that some cast members are at a higher level of self-efficacy than others, as well as looking for a larger sense of autonomy. A more uncommon setting that is also represented in the show is the supported living arrangements. Some individuals may live with their families to have that aid while also being able to maintain their freedom. We are also able to see cast members who are in a transitional stage of living, where they are working on moving out.
Since the premiere in 2022, Love on the Spectrum has helped society and the autism community by educating its viewers through the challenges and experiences of the cast, challenging stereotypes, providing representation, raising awareness and understanding of autism, and promoting inclusion and empathy. I believe that through publishing this show, society is able to open its minds to the autism community and will continue to see them in a brighter light.
ShoutOut! James Madison University 