AS WE SEE IT : BREAKING THROUGH THE RIGID SHELL OF NORMAL

Quite a few shows deeply hug you with all the emotions and heart. As We See It is one of them. It has a heartfelt plot that narrates the story of three roommates in their 20s, Jack, Harrison, and Violet, who are on the autism spectrum, living in an apartment together supported by aide Mandy. They strive to navigate a world that eludes them. As We See It tells the wholesome story of heartwarming friendship, self-identity, societal struggles, and individual traits with an empathetic lens.

?

Let’s dive into the exciting introductions for each character. First, there's “the quiet and tender” Harrison. Well, he is someone who feels ease inside his apartment and fears the sensory overload of the outer world - but always listens to his friends with a warm smile. Then, there’s “the longing for romantic love” Violet. She is direct with her needs for love and an Enthu Boyfriend. The last in the circle is the blunt and witty Jack. He is someone who calls his boss an idiot and thinks that work sucks (perhaps we all feel the same? haha!). He is not a lover of socialising and very eloquently expresses what he needs without filtering. This trio of characters is both unique and ‘normal' in their own ways. If Jack is high on being a curious researcher, and Violet thrives as an overzealous being, there is Harrison the quiet active listener. I found each of these characters alive and relatable, as they reminded me of my own curiosities, my tendencies to get hyper to make ends meet like Violet and even my role in friendships as a silent listener. These qualities are often seen as ‘autistic’, and yet I, a neurotypical person, also feel normal in all these behaviors.?

In addition to showcasing the main characters in a sensitive and humane light, this show beautifully and gently covers heartwarming moments shared between the trio and their therapist Mandy as well. Mandy is significant in the way that she gives all her heart into making life easier and warmer for Harrison, Violet, and Jack. Some of my dearest moments from the show were when Harrison lights up after making a friend named AJ, and together they have a goofy time like talking about girls, crushes and games. I feel we all feel goofy when we talk about our crushes! I melted at the sight when AJ gave Harrison headphones so he could walk onto the streets without fear of overstimulation, and again when he reached the waffle shop amidst all the crowd (they were all so proud and loving). I noticed other little moments during the episodes that continued to make the characters relatable and familiar. Jack invited a new friend to dance and showed so much happiness in that moment it reminded me that we all smile dancing with our comfort person. And when Violet’s love for all things unicorn makes her smile and feel calm and collected? My heart smiled right back!??

In a nutshell, As We See It empathically breaks down the rigid lens of ‘normal’. Society views individuals on the spectrum as persons who cannot express emotions or who are not smart, social and confident. This series upends those notions and shows the characters for who they are: fully developed, complex, messy, loving real people. The show was a loving layered cake with Harris, Jack and Violet being the vibrant layers and Mandy, the aide, being the cherry on top. I was thrilled to see them navigating their lives and accepting their fears and emotions at their own pace. I would say? As We See It destigmatizes the myths around Autism Spectrum Disorder with full kindness and gentleness while facilitating the emergence of true self.

Written by: Aastha Rathour