While those on the spectrum (myself included) had mixed feelings about the first season, in which many of Sam's traits are exaggerated and/or Played for Laughs, the next two seasons have been much better-received for a number of reasons.
To begin with, Sam feels more like a fully-rounded character rather than a stereotype, Zahid is fleshed out from being a brown best friend and pervert to having his own hopes and dreams, and Casey goes from being a sarcastic older sister to having her own story arc about her coming to terms with her sexuality.
As someone on the spectrum, there were several moments in the show that resonated with me, such as the noises in the store annoying Sam's mother more than they annoyed Sam, the NT member of the support group insisting on using person-first language, Sam not wanting assistance in college before deciding he does need it, and more. It also helps that the autistic character is the main protagonist, rather than like Rain Man a secondary character who serves to make the NT main protagonist to change but who has little or no development themself.
An excellent example of Growing the Beard
While those on the spectrum (myself included) had mixed feelings about the first season, in which many of Sam's traits are exaggerated and/or Played for Laughs, the next two seasons have been much better-received for a number of reasons. To begin with, Sam feels more like a fully-rounded character rather than a stereotype, Zahid is fleshed out from being a brown best friend and pervert to having his own hopes and dreams, and Casey goes from being a sarcastic older sister to having her own story arc about her coming to terms with her sexuality. As someone on the spectrum, there were several moments in the show that resonated with me, such as the noises in the store annoying Sam's mother more than they annoyed Sam, the NT member of the support group insisting on using person-first language, Sam not wanting assistance in college before deciding he does need it, and more. It also helps that the autistic character is the main protagonist, rather than like Rain Man a secondary character who serves to make the NT main protagonist to change but who has little or no development themself.