A Kind of Spark

I'm already aware I was/am NVLD, ADHD, and math learning disabled but as an adult realizing I totally fully fit enough of the ASD autism criteria, I can definitely relate to this show so much. It's not necessarily inaccurate to show autism representations as lacking empathy but it's great to show presentations of autism people might not be aware of yet. The representation of Addie as being hyper-empathetic is so good as that can also be a presentation of atypical empathy in autism where your emotional empathy is higher than allistic people (non autistic people/people without autism.) This show is amazing and as a hyper-empathetic probably autistic person myself the show made me cry of I think of sadness as well as for happiness at different times. I finished watching season 2 and all I won't spoil it but it was also amazing and so good. I really wish I could be friends with Addie and Keedie in real life and teach each other about our special interests. Also, season 2 shows complicated autistic rep of a bad home life and how they become bitter as a result. It's left in a way that it could be an end or definitely move on past just Juniper and show more stories with the characters in a 3rd season. But I won't say anything more about the amazing season 2 as not to spoil it.

A Kind of Spark is a good television series. I do like that we have a show with the main characters all neurodivergent, as this is very rare.

The episodes are well-written and the actors perform excellently and portray their roles well.

Good storytelling and good plots.

It is great that they cover autism as well as meltdowns, as it resonates with the audience.

9/10, could be a 10/10 as there could be minor improvements. I feel like they could have added more teachers and seen their perspectives and maybe a few more supporting actors and more topics to delve into, however these are minor things.

Would recommend.

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.

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.

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.