Amid claims it’s problematic, here’s how autistic people really feel about Love on the Spectrum

As wholesome as Love on the Spectrum is, there have been growing worries that the show has some problematic elements to it.

However, what do those with autism actually think about Love on the Spectrum, and do they agree with the viewpoint that it could be doing more harm than good for those in the autistic community?

Those with autism have been opening up on Reddit about their true thoughts and feelings on the show, with many admitting it feels “patronising and infantilising.”

One user wrote: “Love on the Spectrum is interesting. On one hand, wholesome and can educate people. On the other hand, it’s incredibly patronising and infantilising.

“Not a direct quote, but it’s kinda like ‘He likes toy trucks and science fiction, and she likes elephants! How adorable.’ ‘Quirky music.'”

Another agreed with their opinion that Love on the Spectrum is problematic, adding: “I completely agree. I also think the basic premise of the show is slightly offensive.

“It’s essentially saying, ‘See! Even socially awkward people can find love sometimes.’ If it were isolating any other cohort that stereotypically may struggle with finding a partner (e.g. people who are overweight, people who aren’t conventionally attractive), it would be viewed as offensive.

“I sort of worry that the NTs [neurotypicals] who watch the show are being less educated, and are more just gawking at people who are different from them.”

However, one Reddit user had a different take on the show, saying instead of seeing it as being problematic, they felt like Love on the Spectrum gave them “hope.”

They explained: “I’ve never actually been on a date or ‘dated.’ It gave me hope that maybe one day I can go on a date.

“It made me realise I haven’t dated because I need to probably date someone who is autistic, or at least someone a bit ‘odd’ that won’t get annoyed by my autistic habits.”

They continued: “I liked that some of the cast were older than their twenties, because I am older and it made me realise that starting to date late is better than never.”

A few other users also had some problems with the show, feeling concerned that the show depicted those with autism as “childlike and cute”, which “isn’t necessarily” the case for everyone.

They added: “People who think they know about autism because of those shows, at least to my experience, tend to not take the struggles seriously.”

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