“There’s something beautiful about making a show that is about a character with special needs, but isn’t a show about the special needs. It’s just a kid in a family,” says Atypical director Seth Gordon in Netflix’s featurette.
The series stars Keir Gilchrist as Sam, an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum who is coming into his independence and sexuality.
“Atypical goes deep into the magical world of someone with autism,” says Brigette Lundy-Paine who plays Sam’s sister, Casey.
While producers worked with an autism specialist to present an accurate depiction of the disorder, the series also tackles universal coming-of-age themes as Sam and his family deal with the prospect of him having a girlfriend.
“One of the cool things about Atypical is this is a guy who’s just like all of us,” says creator Robia Rashid.
Producer Mary Rohlich describes it as a show with “massive amounts of heart,” that is “also really funny.”
Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as Sam’s mother, Elsa, alongside Michael Rapaport as Sam’s father, Doug. Amy Okuda plays his therapist, Julia.
Atypical is produced by Sony Pictures Television for Netflix. The eight half-hour episodes premiere Friday, August 11.
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