A Kind of Spark

So many times quote on quote representation for those on the spectrum, fails to accurately and actually represent anyone. I've seen it time and time again, and I can say with 100% certainty that this is not the case with a kind of spark. As a neurodivergent woman myself, a kind of spark nails what shows in America have never dared, and that's to paint authentic autistic stories in a positive light. Atypical made us out to be a problem. The good doctor is a sterotype, and the only good representation that barely got by in the states was Everything's gonna be ok. But with a show like A kind of Spark, finally, there is a story with a positive family who understand that while their children are autistic, they are far from being burdens, and they are afar from being problems. The ableism in the show is clear, and the ignorance still rings true to today, I have experienced it myself. Some of it from teachers, and some of it from total strangers or even peers. A kind of spark dares to show a wide facet of the autistic experience in both its protagonists, keedie & Addie, and it is completely and utterly needed. Shows before it, movies before it, fell short. And finally, after all these years, of needing a show that will make many of those on the spectrum feel seen, and heard and absolutely understood, A kind of spark does all this and more. Season 2 is going to be amazing and I hope more people, specifically neurodivergent people, realize we can tell our own stories and that our voices are important to be heard. I want more shows and books and stories about Autistic people for autistic people with autistic individuals and actors at the forefront. Because it is valuable.

The long & the short, this show is for the neurodivergents, and it's 100% worth your time. It's beautiful. It's sweet. It has heart. It's honest, endearing, encouraging, and incredible.

Part of the premise of "A Kind of Spark" is the idea that some people that we think of as autistic, are actually that way because they have magical powers. I find this to be a dangerous precedent, the idea that people who are different, are different because in actuality they have superpowers or an alien. It is the like the mom telling the kid, "You're special, all the other kids are just jealous." It has the right intentions, but it is a little misleading and insulting.

The show is very heavy handed with their commentary. Doing the parallel of kids with special needs being rounded up like it was a witch hunt. And the kids in this show, some of them are just the worst. The show writes bullies to be nothing more than strawmen to be knocked down. They will go out of their way to be a jerk and have absolutely no redeeming qualities. If you are wanting the audience to learn how not to bully kids with special needs, then you need to set up a more relatable antagonist. People should be able to watch and see themselves in the characters. They see the errors in their ways and realize, I should do better, otherwise I will end up like that person there. But when they are this cartoonishly over the top evil, it becomes impossible for the audience to learn that because no human being would act that way.

The child actors are all doing fine, the script is just beyond saving. I don't like it. The show comes across as preachy, standing on a soapbox and scolding their audience. And they aren't even good at being preachy.

There are many things I like about this show. I'm an adult who has always struggled to fit in and I love how it pushes that being yourself is always better than trying to be like everyone else.

However as a teacher it angers me what Miss Murphy did. She did not use best practice at all and should have been fired for calling a child a freak and definitely should not have been alone with a child. I'm sure there are black and white teachers who can't deal with students with different needs. But it isn't all of them and we get professional development on how to best differentiate for all the different needs in the class. The history project she gave Keedie's class should have had some different options for how they were to present it. Like oral, written artwork etc... unless it is an English subject it is not assessing writing. There are many other ways that this show inaccurately portrays teachers and schools in this day and age but I know that it wouldn't get the point across as much so I do understand that.

I know this is a children's TV series, but I really enjoyed it as an adult viewer.

I thought the representations of Addie and Keedie were perfect and - as a late diagnosed autistic woman - I strongly related to both characters. I also appreciated the inclusion of neurodivergent actors in the show (including Caitlin Hamilton playing a "neurotypical" character).

I loved the presentation of a "normal" family - unlike the usual "look how much we have to sacrifice" trope. Nina and Audrey's characters were also great.

I also thought it was a great concept to show parallels with the witch trials and the way autistic people are treated in modern times.

This is a story of sisterhood, of standing together and fighting for the truth - and, ultimately a story of kindness and acceptance. We can all learn something from this show.

It's a wholesome watch with a positive message, but not much to write home about. The premise is heartwarming and more of a mystery, so it will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what happens. There's also another story juxtaposed in with the contemporary setting and it's very slow-paced compared to the other story until you get to the end. I still found myself being interested in what was happening with the witches, even though I think it should've been paced a little better. It's mostly talky and not much doing until the last few episodes.

I do think the portrayal of the autistic characters were accurate, but some of the treatment I feel are outdated by 2023 standards. The portrayal of the harsh teachers and the bullying of autistic people for being different and smart were accurate to my experience, but I don't think kids in high school would insult someone for having an autistic meltdown or "not looking autistic". We are much more accepting of autism and other neurodivergent disorders than in the past.

I do like some of the characters. Addie and Maggie are the typical spunky girls, but they're good role models. They're positive people who will never give up on making a change. Frank and Audrey are nice supporting characters. I can't go in depth with Elinor since there will be spoilers. She does seem like a stiff person, but it all makes sense once you finish the season. I don't care for the twin sisters, though. Nina as a character had potential, but not much was done with her. I think more should've been done with her dealing with her arcs of the jealousy she has with her sisters and the fact that she caused her sister to get bullied by outing her autism and the strain it put on her relationship with her twin. Instead, that arc was dropped for a contrived typical teen plotline involving her trying to maintain popularity and a fallout with her boyfriend and everything with her gets resolved too quickly. Keedie doesn't really get interesting until the last two episodes, which I won't spoil. She mostly squabbles with her sister over nothing and mainly acts as a mentor for Addie. Jenny was very unlikeable until the end. She has a codependency on Emily, Addie's bully, but she wasn't sympathetic at all. I wanted to yell at her for being so attached to that wench.

I do wonder how they're gonna continue this series, though, as I don't feel like there's anything more they need to add.