Love on the Spectrum

Participants are frank about their desires for love and sex; the difference, Michael says, between a friendship and a romantic relationship, is "intercourse." We see participants date, flirt, and kiss; there are some mild body part references, such as when Tom tells his wife Ruth that she has a "cute patootie."

Language is infrequent but "s--t" is heard a few times.

Some drink beer or alcohol at parties or gatherings; no one acts drunk.

Parents need to know that Love on the Spectrum is a reality dating show featuring participants who are on the autism spectrum and interested in finding love. Their desires and their struggles are treated with dignity and seriousness; there's no question that they're deserving of love and family members and loved ones support their efforts to find it. Participants discuss their lives and their feelings in talking-head interviews, we also see them at home with their families, out in the world, and on dates. As is typical on a dating show, dating and romance are central; expect romantic complications -- including emotional pain, awkwardness, and rejection -- as well as flirting, kissing, and references to sex. There are infrequent references to body parts, like when a man says he likes his wife's "cute patootie." Language is also infrequent: "s--t." Some drink beer and liquor at parties or gatherings; no one gets drunk. Participants and their loved ones are frank about the struggles caused by autism, as well as about their desires for love and sex; significant levels of empathy and integrity are evident in the way participants accept themselves and are accepted by others; communication plays a large part in their romantic successes. The series' decision to let people with autism speak for themselves makes the whole enterprise feel genuine and non-exploitative, as well as heartfelt and emotionally involving.