Netflix is all set to launch Love on the Spectrum that follows young adults on the autism spectrum through their dating lives on July 22.

It doesnt matter whether youre on the spectrum or not, everyone has a basic human right and a basic human need of connection and love, says Jodi Rodgers, the relationship specialist from Netflixs soon to launch dating reality show, Love on the Spectrum. The streaming giant has now acquired global streaming rights to Northern Pictures Love on the Spectrum, an ABC-commissioned docuseries that follows individuals whoare on the autism spectrum and showcases their dating experiences.Arriving on July 22, the show that first debuted on ABC Australia in November 2019 is all about love and the fact that it doesnt discriminate.

Netflixs original unscripted dating reality shows have slowly become a staple of the platforms programming, with the team now open to exploring interestingness in its content. Be it with Dating Around that keeps things simple without relying on gimmicks and plot twists or The Circle, which acts as a social experiment more than a competition, Netflix has aced the unscripted dating show genre by providing content that isnt just entertaining but also aspirational. Then there are Love Is Blind that had couples falling in love despite never having seen each other and Too Hot to Handle with hot singles that arent allowed to indulge in any sexual touching- not to each other, and not even to themselves - without incurring a literal fine from a collective $100k. Concepts such as these came as a refresher to Netflixs audience, especially after being stuck at home and looking for something new to watch in the lockdown. The formula of taking something familiar and giving it an unexpected twist has helped the popular platform forage a new path not just for dating shows, but unscripted content in general. Be it picking up Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, that most broadcast companies and also cable has passed on, or creating a reboot of Bravos feel-good Queer Eye, Netflix made all the right moves to spark a buzz in the progressively crowding reality TV space. Although dating shows usually are known to thrive on drama and the OMG factor, it is refreshing to see Netflix further venture into diverse, non-scandalous experiences with the latest Say I Do and upcoming shows like Indian Matchmaking or Love on the Spectrum. After all its high time reality TV got a taste of "real," isnt it?

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All set to launch worldwide come July 22, Love on the Spectrum is a four-part documentary series following young adults on the autism spectrum as they explore the unpredictable world of love, dating and relationships. With an objective to combat the misconception that autistic people cant have meaningful relationships, the show features a bunch of 20-somethings that are new to dating, and also those who are navigating long term relationships. The Aussie dating series has already won major accolades for shedding light on what love is like when youre not neurotypical and has also been reviewed for a second season. The most unique aspect of Love on the Spectrum is how the show beautifully explores each cast members unique experience of autism, thereby giving the audience a much broader understanding of the subject of neurodiversity. What all of them have in common though, is the fact that theyre all looking for love. By making the audience realize that most people on the spectrum also have the same desires for intimacy and belonging as the rest of the world, the show also speaks about how social interaction and communication is what makes finding love a difficult experience for the individuals. As well as following individuals seeking love, the makers have also included couples in the series because they felt it was important to tell positive stories that can serve as inspiration for people out there who are struggling to find someone special. The participants receive advice on social skills and dating tips from the show's experts Jodi Rodgers, and Dr Elizabeth Laugeson. Dr Laugeson is a licensed clinical psychologistand an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She is also the Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, which is an outpatient hospital-based program providing parent-assisted social skills training for preschoolers, adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other social impairments. Meanwhile, relationship coach and specialist Jodi Rodgers started her career as a special education teacher and spent twelve years with ASPECT (Autism Spectrum Australia). Since then, she has worked in Australia and internationally for over 20 years helping people equip themselves with life tools that will move them out of the rut and towards finding life and work relationships that are true to who they are. The casting process too, has been extensive with the team speaking to hundreds of people who were interested in being a part of the show, which confirmed the real need for assistance. They also worked closely with autism and disability organisations to ensure the production was sensitive to the needs of people on the spectrum. You can watch the show's trailer here:

As the participants on the show invite the cameras into their lives and allow the audience to get up close and personal with their love stories, they also clear out any misconceptions about autism and romance. For instance, the first episode features Ruth 22, and Thomas, 25, both of whom are on the spectrum and have been engaged for over a year. They are a unique couple who compliment and accept each others quirks. As they approach their fourth anniversary, Thomas has a surprise planned. Theres 19-year-old Chloe, who hopes to find someone that sees beyond her disabilities, and who like many women, wasn't diagnosed with ASD until the end of primary school. She doesnt know what it feels like be in love or have a crush, but she does know that she wants to experience it. Sadly, it is common for people with autism to be bullied and as a young girl on the spectrum with a hearing impairment Chloe was not immune from being a target. Then theres Michael, 25, who makes the viewers smile and go "aww"with everything that he says. His greatest dream in life is to become a husband but admits to have not been on any dates in spite of being a romantic person. He already has a ring selected for his future wife, one shaped like a crown, to symbolize that she will be the queen of his heart.

To sum it up, their stories are diverse, personal, and the couples are warm, generously open, with a great sense of humor. There are awkward moments, yes, especially ones that would be expected from two people going on a date for the very first time, but the show handles them delicately and makes them endearing. Like series producer and director, Cian OClery adds, As a storyteller, I felt we had an opportunity to explore this issue by shining a light on the struggles many people on the spectrum face in seeking out meaningful relationships. I hope this series will start conversations, help bring about understanding and acceptance, and ultimately inspire people with Autism, their families and society at large to find ways to help people on the spectrum find love. OClery, who also created an Australian series titled Employable Me that features neurodiverse job seekers had expressed that he got the idea of making Love on the Spectrum because he kept encountering the myth that people on the spectrum arent interested in love. The representation of autism on our screens is fairly limited, he thinks and hopes that Love on the Spectrum will help broaden the picture.

Next:How to Nominate Someone to Be on Queer Eyes Next Season

All episodes of Love on the Spectrum will be streaming on Netflix starting July 22.

Source: ABCTV

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Saylee Padwal is a blogger, social media manager, photographer, and now a Reality TV Features Writer for Screen Rant.Over the years, she has worked in the content creation process for many well-known brands, while growing her passion towards all things pop-culture. Apart from being a full-time food lover, you can always find her double-tapping her way through Instagram, reading mysteries and thrillers, and listening to her latest obsession - BTS - on loop.

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Everything to Know About Netflixs Love on the Spectrum - Screen Rant