Autism takes the much-needed spotlight in ‘Atypical’

“Atypical” costars, from left: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brigette Lundy-Paine and Michael Rapaport

One of Netflix’s more unusual shows is “Atypical,” a comedy-drama series that follows a protagonist with autism. It’s insightful enough, generating dramatic moments that are specific to those who fall into the “autism spectrum.” But it’s also the source of humor, not laugh-out-loud funny, but mild, situational mirth that stems from it.

There’s good-natured fun whenever Sam (Keir Gilchrist), a high school student with autism, tries something new. His therapist, Julia (Amy Okuda), for instance, encourages him to meet new people, and to look for a girlfriend. As it’s something he never considered doing before, the results are disconcerting to the people around him. And because he doesn’t behave like others, he doesn’t dillydally, and his actions are often shocking—he has to be told to be polite to the girls he gets interested in.

But, he’s painfully aware of his neurobehavioral condition, as well as people’s opinions of him. Sam, nevertheless, is protected by a generous family: His mom Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh), dad Doug (Michael Rapaport) and sister Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine) all spend time with him, and give him the unconditional support he needs.

When he decides to change his drab wardrobe to a more stylish ensemble, his worried mother volunteers to pick out new clothes, as she always does. His dad, who feels guilty for not connecting with him when he was younger, makes an effort to understand him more. And his athletic sister is always ready to stand between him and his would-be tormentors.

Keir Gilchrist plays a teen with autism.

“Atypical” is created by Robia Rashid, who had in mind a person close to her when she wrote the series. A consultant is also present to check for accuracy in portrayals. That sensitivity serves the show well, offering a perspective that’s rarely regularly seen. The main character is shown as extremely artistic and logical—he has symmetrical drawings and detailed diagrams in his journal—but he’s also a socially awkward person who uncomfortably flashes a full-toothed smile.

The dramatic parts often overpower the lighter ones—mainly, the rest of the family’s separate scenarios. Elsa, in the early episodes, tries to momentarily escape her stress, which eventually leads to sleeping with another man. Doug is revealed to have abandoned the family for months, unable to deal with his son’s situation when he was a kid. And Casey, who is a track-and-field champion, gets considerably less attention for her efforts because her parents are focused on her brother.

Leigh does well, her character still likable despite the run-of-the-mill predicaments she’s given. Meanwhile, portraying Sam with subtlety is the lanky and unassuming Gilchrist, who gives Sam a believable mix of vulnerability and optimism.

It’s not always an easy watch, but “Atypical” ultimately gives a voice to real-life people from that spectrum, eliciting sympathy for their important struggles, and those of the ones nearest to them.