Sister on the Edge of Autism

A sibling's-eye view of autism in life, family, and culture.

Meet the Bravermans

"Parenthood" sets Asperger's among the Braverman family.

NBC's new show called "Parenthood" brings Asperger's to prime time.

The drama, set in Berkeley, revolves around the four grown Braverman siblings, their own children and their parents.

Max (Max Burkholder), the young son of Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter), struggles with his classmates in the pilot and is diagnosed with Asperger's in the second episode.

Max's behavioral issues - aside from one tussle with a classmate - seem to be that he is a picky eater, loves to watch TV, and wants to wear his pirate costume all the time. So far he seems like a pretty normal little boy to me.

I liked the first two episodes, although I hate the Braverman family just a little bit. The problem is they are all gorgeous with great careers, beautiful homes, and perfect spouses. They also seem to be constantly leaping up to be supportive of one another. Well, it is prime time, after all. Maybe their problems will make them become more likable to more jaded viewers like me.

I'm keeping my eye on Haddie (Sarah Ramos), Max's pretty teenaged sister who seems like a good kid despite the baggy of pot her Dad finds in the backyard in episode two. Is this a bid for attention? So far, we have not seen how having Asperger's in the family will affect her.

It will be interesting to watch how this story unfolds with Asperger's as part of the big picture of the extended Braverman family.

The show airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, 9 p.m. Central. 

 



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Eileen Garvin is the author of How to be a Sister: A Love Story with a Twist of Autism.

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