Norma being the best autistic rep for 3 minutes and 12 seconds straight

[@komorabii]

The show is called Dead End: Paranormal Park. You can watch it on Netflix :)

[@KiraTheFoolOfTheFools]

might "steal" my sisters netflix acc to watch it or i'll ask her to watch it with me

[@mx.purple6450]

Alternative title: mildly concerning

[@m-pc5334]

Thanks I will

[@SpecialInterestShow]

Also, the comic series it is based on is called "Deadendia"!

[@Tazerboy_10]

😀

[@matiassanchez1362]

The third episode could just been named "Autistic representation" and everyonr watching the show would be like "Yeah, that feels right"

[@komorabii]

FRRR

[@dendx3888]

@@komorabii people that have autism do think differently and since I’m on it too, I do think I want to be different but all I need to be is myself and be who I want. I do type things to think differently because I do sometimes in I’m a kid in a adult body but that’s ok. I think everyone is different in their own way. Comment to me if you agree to anything I said

[@komorabii]

@@dendx3888 yeah!! We do a few things differently/some things are harder for us than allistics, but that’s not a bad thing at all. Although I do struggle quite a bit, for the most part I enjoy being autistic. It’s neat being able to view the world so differently from most of the people I know

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

@@komorabii yeah in my mind I feel like I ruined an entire Fourth of July party because the fireworks are too loud I tried to wait it out, and be safe with it and it did not work, obviously, I ended up crying for 20 minutes :’) this year

[@dendx3888]

@@komorabii I understand, I hope we both find and achieve our goals in life, good luck mate, if you have any more questions, comment

[@MegaChickenfish]

I had an anxiety attack from overstimulation that felt *exactly* like this, it was amazing how well it was captured here. It reminded me of the scene in Steven Universe where they visually represent how thoughts can swarm and overwhelm us.

[@scarletweb2106]

😭😭😭

[@theunluckiestboyintown]

Ay same!,i relate to Norma a lot.

[@ireallylikenuggets9490]

shame steven universe turned into a shitshow

[@timilehyinhussain7963]

I swear during my anxiety attacks things feel a lot louder, brighter and it feels a lot more painful to touch things. It's awful. But what can you do?

[@Tazerboy_10]

😐 - Yup...

[@PinkApocalypse]

Her finding out her hyperfixation was someone/something awful, that got me. I’ve had multiple like that and it’s earth shattering every single time

[@ocinidolegna]

those always hit 😔 i need to keep watching this show fr

[@BasicallyDuncan]

That’s happened to me so many times before, and I just love how well done that scene was, it’s haunting looking back at it, seeing these people or series I idolized for YEARS only to find out how shitty they are

[@touremuhammad5983]

Once I watch something that’s heart-wrenching, my mind gets so fixated on it that my heart races, my chest feels like it’s burning, & my blood curdles around the length of my legs.

[@deliri0um]

its important for everyone even neurotypicals to never idolize a celebrity. we get so worked up by this one person and put them on a pedestal when in reality every human has flaws and we dont know them in real life

[@PinkApocalypse]

@@deliri0um you said in a previous comment that you’re not autistic, so I do want to explain that we don’t choose what we fixate on and how heavily it affects us. Hyperfixations can be distracting at best and life altering at worst, and it’s not something we can just “not” do 😅

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

I think the main thing about autism is, just let us freak out a bit, give us some cool down room, and let us disengage from the activity. I think the worst of my anxiety came from me feeling like I couldn't leave when I wanted, when it felt like I HAD to do the activity. When I know I don't have to, it feels so much better.

[@komorabii]

Agreed

[@moongalaxywolf434]

Same

[@MegaChickenfish]

100% on the money. I was amazed how much of a difference it was when I learned how to drive and had the agency to actually leave social situations when I wanted instead of being dragged to them. I actually started *liking* them a little bit.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

@@MegaChickenfish Yeah, it's like, I love concerts and festivals when I know I can take a bit of a bathroom break or just get away from the loud noises.

[@SnickerBear]

Same.

[@msthecommentator2863]

"My fear world is the *real* world" Bro, that line hit deep for me. It's so hard to explain to non-neurodivergent people why I seemingly freak out over things that are no big deal to them. And the artistic choice of making her fears less solid and more striking and all over the place was fantastic.

[@lonely_saturn]

Seriously! For all neurodivergent people it can be so hard to navigate things other people label as normal, especially in social environments. Its really lonely and terrifying.

[@MeryemSH]

I am not a neurodivergent person but this line hit me hard too I mostly try to escape my fantasy world rather than dealing with real life issues.

[@SuperPaperPokemon]

Honestly. There are so many things a person can have that aren't considered neurodivergence but can still make them fit this. Social anxiety, crippling self-doubt, shyness, introversion, depression aren't things exclusive to neurodivergent people (these are symtoms, after all, not disorders, like most neurodivergences are classified as) and can very much show up simply because of the way a person was raised, rather than by the myriad of genetic factors that cause neurodivergences. And yeah, neurodivergent or not, it's so difficult to explain to someone who just doesn't go though the same stuff how we go through it. I'm not sure how so many people are able to just go talk to a person, even one they never met before, while I have trouble starting any sort of conversation longer than asking for a simple favor with someone I've known for years.

[@daeflowerr]

My favorite example is this one, which I heard a while back: Imagine everyone in the world carries a bag of 100 marbles, but you don’t have a bag to carry your marbles. So, you can only carry 50 marbles and you’re constantly losing track of them because you don’t have a bag to carry them in. However, one day you are given a bag (meds), but it has a bunch of holes in it. You can now carry your marbles, but you constantly have to go back and pick up your marbles.

[@lloydzeroa.k.aforger6990]

Fearing reality too as an aspergic, I really want to ask if norma would like a quiet, isolated hug

[@Flame_6711]

As a neurodivergent person I finally feel just slightly understood for once- Nobody understandsme but I relate to Norma- Now I am overly obsessing over Dead End: Paranormal Park

[@komorabii]

Me toooo 😭

[@Flame_6711]

@@komorabii Which part? Relating to Norma, overly obsessing over the show or something else?

[@komorabii]

@@Flame_6711 all of it !! I relate to Norma a TON, im autistic and this is the first show ive seen that accurately describes my experience. And im completely obsessed w it ahajsjjd

[@Flame_6711]

@@komorabii Okay :) I only was able to start watching it yesterday for reasons and then I fell in love with it!

[@Salmonid_Destroyer]

YEA!!

[@ohno8398]

The greatest part of the team building episode is that Norma's fears ARE real. So many times a character has to learn to get over it or that if they just try the thing it'll be okay, but her lived experience is respected. She doesn't punch her fears or realise that team building exercises are actually super fun for her, she opens up about her problems and the other characters adjust to accommodate her needs.

[@sebyt354]

either norma needs to stop being relatable or I need triple a insurance (autism anxiety adhd)

[@katie15732]

Triple A Battery lol

[@CookyePhoo]

Haha same

[@DParkerNunya]

Same

[@maddymooo]

As an autistic woman, I relate to Norma. Especially with the last clip. I constantly compare myself to my fiancé from a social standpoint. He's outgoing, loud, funny, and charming. I'm introverted, awkward, and often quiet. Sometimes I look at him and wonder how he can make so many long-lasting friends while I keep everyone at arm's length.

[@Ravenbloom57868]

Norma laughing at the head of the mascot remind me of something that happened to me on the 10 but it was an giant stuffed animal ( I think it was a cat) it was in really poor condition and the head just came off I just grabbed the head and hugged it and pay no attention to the body. My mom forced me into therapy for 5 months because it’s not normal for a 10 year old to love a decapitated stuffed animal.

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

On shows when something bad happens to a character I typically smile, I think it’s because I know something good will happen later idk

[@karaigrayson8198]

I laugh at movies when bad guys die

[@scarletweb2106]

Yeah me too

[@imlubu]

@@karaigrayson8198 well it's a bad guy so who cares

[@timilehyinhussain7963]

Sometimes I laugh when bad things happen to people, not that I enjoy it. It just tends to happen sometimes and I don't know why. I feel bad but something at the back of my brain finds it funny somehow.

[@robertoldcorn5331]

Hyper fixating is also an adhd trait as is anxiety

[@komorabii]

Yep!

[@AmayaHinageshi]

Since it got brought up, I think this is a good time to mention that there is a rather significant amount of overlap between OCD, ADHD, and autism! Some common traits are anxiety, hyper-fixation, sensory issues, and the tendency to perform self-regulatory behaviors like stimming (autism and ADHD) and rituals (OCD). There are going to be a lot of people with OCD and ADHD who see themselves in Norma, and sometimes even people from outside of those communities! The point of representation is to celebrate our differences _and_ the things that we have in common; not just one or the other!

[@rynahdaley778]

@@AmayaHinageshi I kinda needed that simplified definition of representation and the whole point of it, thank you for that.

[@chromicapop4595]

Good point I can relate

[@yesikanarvaez5027]

And autism

[@kerryannemacdonald8893]

She is iconic and when I saw her I just felt like I could really relate to her, because they portrayed her so well

[@scarletweb2106]

Me too I related to her

[@RiseLeon_Turtle]

Norma is the best anxiety rep ever bc I relate to her so much lol (I have social anxiety and depression and might have ADHD or autism but we not sure yet) like I said Norma is the best and I can relate to her so much as I hate making eye contact for more then three seconds and i hate being in large crowds of people, I also hate loud noises but I think that's just me. The point is Norma like I said is the best anxiety or autistic rep that I have seen in a long time, also cheer for berny for being the best friend Norma could have lol. Sorry for the edit guys but how did this get 500 likes in 8 days Edit: I do have Austism and ADHD (got diagnosed! Finally!, sorry for the edit again)

[@fried_fries]

i have social anxiety and ADHD also

[@fried_fries]

I feel Norma tho. Like i have tried to work on my social skills, but I'm really bad with meeting new people and bad at keeping eye contact.

[@pikachu591]

Eh same but they left out the part where you have a panic attack but think you're having a heart attack

[@crocodiletearz4806]

she is autism rep/nm as an autistic person, GAD and Autism can come hand in hand the title of the video states that she is autism rep, I like that she speaks to non autistics too but this video is for autistics

[@caught4k493]

Lmfao, this gives me “I think I have it so I’ll say I do have it”

[@moistwrmonastring1017]

As someone with social anxiety, THEY ANIMATED HER ATTACKS SO WELL?! That’s EXACTLY how it feels, like your heart leaps into your throat and everything goes fuzzy, but you’re still painfully aware that everyone is looking and laughing at you. I LOVE Dead End!

[@thechubbibunnie]

I felt so bad for Norma when she found out her hyper fixation turned out to be something awful. It was earth crushing for her and I hurt seeing her denying it.

[@komorabii]

LITERALLY- I’d be so so sad if something like that ever happened to my hyperfixation

[@hellohumans6872]

I’m not diagnosed with Autism or any form of nerodivegency (I can’t spell) But Norma felt so relatable to me, as she spoke about her hyperfixations, the way she’d get overwhelmed easily. I don’t physically break down like her but I do mentally. And the line where she yelled “don’t look at me!” Felt so real to me, yesterday I had that exact thought while just trying to rent something it felt like everyone was staring at me I love this show

[@alyl.9430]

So, you probably can't spell what you are trying to spell because it is not a real word lol. You could say "I haven't been diagnosed as neurodivergent in any form" or smt like that if you wanted. But anyways, yeah. I'm in a similar boat. I don't have any disorders or conditions or anything as far as I know, but I find that I do have many corresponding traits.

[@kinyacat5919]

Yeah same. Sometimes i just wish im blind so i dont see others looking at me whenever i walk outside with people lol

[@Amethiist143]

when I watched it undiagnosed I didn’t notice she was autistic, I just felt seen and happy that a character went through similar things to me. I love Norma so much

[@alisondiskin3889]

My sister is autistic too but she can be easygoing sometimes she has friends, a bit of a job and loves Performing but just like Norma she dose remember people names, dose like trying new food and she Obsess in own world and hates being Pressured. She’s also creative, a bookworm and a chocoholic we love her just the way she is. Seeing a cartoon character with Autism is amazing for my sister and many other people like her get to see stuff like this.

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

New foods suck for me, my sensory isn’t just sound but good too 🥲

[@scarletweb2106]

Yeah autism is amazing and cool!

[@LycanMOON]

Norma doesn’t remember peoples names tho?

[@alisondiskin3889]

@@LycanMOON yep it happens

[@ocinidolegna]

@@LycanMOON every time OP said "dose" i think they meant "doesnt"

[@eattherich5409]

its fascinating being autistic and also fairly popular. its hard, cause agoraphobia, but you put me in a room with other queer folk, and i'll have made friends by the end of the convo

[@karaigrayson8198]

Awww you sound like a lovely person I hope your anxiety get better

[@cats9994]

Love your username, quite relatable lmaooo

[@SakuraMoonflower]

Autistic people can be super cool. I have this Canadian buddy who is much beloved. I'd say he's pretty popular, and he's the one who understands that the least, much less how it happened. I think he thought his diagnosis of autism somehow made him unlovable. But he's a pretty lovable dude. :) And clearly, so are you!

[@galacticrainestorm8546]

Same. Being in social situations is usually horribly overstimulating but if I’m separated off with a group of other Autistic or ADHD queer people I feel like I’m not an outliar and I can easily make new friends

[@chinchilla0708]

I feel so represented by Norma fast breathing and then laughing at an inappropriate moment, that was me all throughout my childhood and i felt like a monster. I'm glad to see at least some representation for future generations.

[@torazely]

Dude, the rep in this show is awesome! And I love how it's all just treated as normal. (Minus Barney's grandma cuz she's a boomer)

[@twist_ending7545]

Haven't seen it, what's Barney's grandma like?

[@kj2kvortexx205]

@@twist_ending7545 transphobic

[@twist_ending7545]

@@kj2kvortexx205 damn

[@celianunn2070]

@@kj2kvortexx205 but isn't a "transphobic boomer" itself common? 🤔

[@Pablo_Martin_aa]

The worst part is that there are people who probably know what the grandma said to him word by word as if it was their own

[@briarosethornheart7152]

The sensory overload and morbid things being funny speaks to my autism. I picture it as a loud crow demanding shiny things.

[@briarosethornheart7152]

Me too

[@twist_ending7545]

@@briarosethornheart7152 forget to switch accounts?

[@Beechepisode]

"My fear world is the real world" hit so hard. I think a lot of ND anxiety comes from lived through and repeated experiences, not just negative and anxiety-inducing thought patterns like typical anxiety disorders. Ableism isn't just a percieved threat, it's continued and chronic, and can't be fixed by just mindfulness and changing one's own mindset Though, accepting environments and people help lessen the blow Also this show is incredible, like holy moley 😫 it's like the western cartoon equiv of a life-changing 12 episode anime istg

[@theunsunghero324]

Just seeing the scene of them untying themselves gave me anxiety. I hate being touched and being stuck in a situation like that makes me feel sick. Can relate. I’m glad this character gives some representation for those with ASD and/or other neurodivergent disorders.

[@koshkacat1871]

I have GAD and sensory issues, theres been many times where I would get overwhelmed and my parents would have to help me with a certain thing other kids seemed to do easily. Be it sleeping alone, fireworks, crowds or the unfamiliar. Sometimes its difficult to understand but these struggles are real and its totally ok to react like this. This effects lots of people daily and im glad to finally get some representation for it

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

I have that issue too but not only are my sensory with sounds but with food… and it’s been extremely hard

[@koshkacat1871]

@@SawyerAshIsMe That sucks im sorry. It can be very hard trying new foods cant it? /pos

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

@@koshkacat1871 yeah, very hard, it here was a time where my mom forced me to eat a “sloppy jo” and I took a bite and quickly spat it out, and she told me to eat it or go to bed. I took another bite not wanting to go to bed, and almost 🤮 Anytime I talk about that she denies it

[@koshkacat1871]

@@SawyerAshIsMe that sucks im sorry. Ive had similar things with smells before, if I dont like the smell im stubborn to eat it. I dont think ive ever had a fresh citrus fruit because of it /pos

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

@@koshkacat1871 yeah

[@cactusbuds2979]

AHHHH THE WAY YOU CANT HEAR ANYTHING AND ALL YOUR OTHER SENSES ARE ENHANCED JUST- UGHHH THATS HOW I FEEL WHEN IT HAPPENS 😭😭😭 STOP BEING RELATABLE

[@The0LDies]

I have autism and i cant stand people who make being autistic their number 1 personality trait

[@twist_ending7545]

@@The0LDies ..okay?

[@SpecialInterestShow]

​@@The0LDieswhat does "making it their only personality trait" even mean?

[@The0LDies]

@@SpecialInterestShow like I've met people who are constantly going on about how they have autism or how they're on the spectrum and when I ask a question on WHY they did a certain thing that was obviously not gonna have a positive outcome they say "ohh well IDK you wouldnt understand you dont have autism" like YES I DO IDIOT and more than half the time they self diagnose themselves STOP USING SOMETHING YOU AREN'T EVEN SURE OF HAVING AS A SCAPEGOAT FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS

[@williamspell5692]

That guy instructing the trust exercises was Hella creepy, especially when he said "ah, the smell of fear."

[@alex-iu6rj]

I feel like he _wanted_ Norma to be afraid, to be anxious, like he tortures people like Norma for his own happiness.

[@wasteofspace69420]

@@alex-iu6rj that’s exactly the plot of the episode lol He turns out to be a demon disguising himself as a human

[@gooeydude574]

Yeah he knew EXACTLY what he was doing

[@lolly4840]

I think the thing i hate with meltdowns is that if im allowed to find my own space or peace its fine, but people dont let you, then when you lash out cause theyve driven you into a corner YOU'RE the 'bad guy' the 'freak'

[@StardustWhip]

A smaller moment that also showcased Norma's neurodivergency, specifically her touch aversion, was this joke from Episode 5: Norma: Chamber of Cuddles? How do we get out? Barney: Maybe we have to cuddle each other...? Norma: Oh my ghost. We are _never_ getting out of here. It's a nice moment to me because it's a joke revolving around neurodivergency that doesn't make the neurodivergent person in question the butt of the joke. Normally jokes about neurodivergent people (or minorities in general, but that's a topic for another day) are just about making them out to be total weirdos, but not here.

[@komorabii]

Omg yes I remember that part!! I love it sm

[@thecoreofmagic]

Norma makes me feel so seen. I haven’t been diagnosed with autism because my parents didn’t want me “adding more labels to myself” and I can’t afford to get therapy for see a psychiatrist or anything like that myself, but regardless of whether I am actually autistic or not, I always cry when I watch these scenes because it reminds me that I’m not just a freak. That I’m not the only one who has this experience. I always get so much crap for having extreme reactions to things most people would find small, or obsessing over something too much, or even just smaller things like putting my arms around my head when I’m upset because it’s “overdramatic”. It’s really isolating sometimes. Sometimes I feel like there’s something wrong with me. But seeing a character who acts the same way I do and seems to feel the same way about a lot of things that I do really makes me feel better. I really wish there were more characters like Norma

[@ZimsDeadRobot]

God I love this show. As a trans, neurodivergent teenager, I relate to both of the main characters wayyy too much. I really loved the one scene where they show everyone's fears, and Norma's fear looks just like the real world, yet slightly off. While I can't speak for everyone who's neurodivergent, I think the way it's portrayed in the show is pretty accurate, and I'm glad there's more good representation nowadays.

[@castbet9183]

I get Norma I do people are…difficult and sometimes I feel being really me is unacceptable so I created this persona that feels socially acceptable. But it’s exhausting and tiring and I end up using it so much I have to let the inner me out just so I don’t forget that part; then when people meet that part it scares them off. I can say I have maybe 6 actual people I can consider friends and everyone else “associates”; btw that excludes my parents and partner cause they know me and like it. Tho I get the impression she has more Social Anxiety rather than Autism, don’t quote me. But feel free to properly inform me other wise

[@static_irony]

Maybe you already know, but the "social persona" is commonly known as masking, an often exhausting facade us autistic people put up to appear "normal". It is good that you've got some people you don't feel you have to mask around. I just add this because sometimes it can help to put a name to things so we can learn more about them

[@scarletweb2106]

I feel sad and angry that autistic people are forced to mask themselves it reminds me of Encanto where the Madrigal family members are forced to hide their imperfect but true selves

[@LycanMOON]

Based on your claim that she has social anxiety rather then autism 1:she talks about her hyper fixation.while others can of course have big interests I find they aren’t as into them as autistic people are.a person with asd would do things like buy any merch they can,decorate their whole room to match their interest,etc.take my word for this also bc I do it- 2:socially anxious people may be a bit scared when touching others but autistic people can feel things from “hands are burning off” to “I feel like I’m being stabbed” when they get touched.it’s an awful experience and can lead to mental breakdowns 3:and of course on the topic of mental breakdowns,people with asd are more likely to have them.with the line clip we can see that what caused her mental breakdown ended up being touch related (somewhat,you see it’s very hard to tell what causes anxiety or meltdowns for us) which ends up being a full circle Hope this helps!

[@castbet9183]

@@static_irony huh didn’t know that was a term. Just thought it was an introverted defense mechanism to socializing

[@misha469]

@@castbet9183 thats what i thought too! I just have this persona of myself that supposed to be socially acceptable when im outside where it differs to little different personalities to different types of ppl, and i feel like ppl will look at me differently if im my actual self

[@magic2546]

Never before have I related this much to a fictional character, which is not to say I haven't related to any characters in the past, this one just goes the extra mile for me. I actually felt her anxiety during the human not scene. I'm definitely watching this show when I get the chance.

[@violetoderwald6535]

As someone who has Attention Deficit Disorder (aka A.D.D for the more medically inclined folks), Sensory OverStimulation and Social Anxiety the talk that Badhya had with Norrma and N's panic attack scene on the beach......i just........no words other than relatable.

[@misha469]

"I mean making friends, socialising" I actually teared up at that part because it hit a bit too close to home

[@Totallynotredtail]

The looking thing was waaayyyy to relatable for comfort, like "IM ALREADY PANICKING WOULD IT KILL YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE" is the best way I can describe how I feel in similar situations

[@gta5lorecarreviews36]

Ive never relate to a character more than norma the scenes shown here literally was my life and how i saw the world like norma said “my fear world is the real world”

[@trin4737]

0:11 reminds me so much of the time me and my mom were at chucky cheese and she got up and told me to follow her. i agreed and strated following her when i realized she walked RIGHT INFRONT OF THE STAGE WERE CHUCKY CHEESE WAS to go to were she needed to and i flat out start balling my eyes out on the ground until she grabbed my arm and took me past the stage :(

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

My mom forced me to hug the chuck-E-cheese mascot, she told me if I didn’t we had to leave (it was my 5-7 birthday) and she tried to make me go over there but then I started crying

[@Biancalovestosew98]

I’m autistic too🤍 At 1:27 she’s wearing sunglasses because she doesn’t want to make eye contact. I have eye contact issues too.😅😂😮 And when she yelled “Stop looking at me!” And ran off in tears, I felt that and I know what it’s like to feel overstimulated and retreating from situations. And when she was said “I’m so stupid” with tears in her eyes, I feel like that too when I’m very upset or mad at myself for doing something wrong. 😞

[@SpecialInterestShow]

I'll NEVER forgive Netflix for canceling the show. Norma was the first time I felt truly seen in animation!

[@jamesbiggerstaff3722]

Dead end paranormal park fills the frog sized hole in my heart

[@komorabii]

OML YES THE FROG SIZED HOLE 😭💔

[@さくら-l8t]

0:50 Norma abruptly laughing at the mascot head reminds me of how I also tend to laugh during stressful moments as a desperate coping mechanism. The picture of her holding the head even shows her crying a bit, implying she’s still in a stressful state. This is just my own head-canon going off of my personal experiences, so please don’t take this too seriously.

[@rayofsunshine7028]

If I were stuck in the human pretzel thing I would’ve just died there

[@twist_ending7545]

Tbh, same

[@trashotaku]

As someone who has autism, this show has the best depictions of what overstimulation feels like in an animated show I’ve ever seen!

[@magentasky234]

The sensory overloads portrayed here are so accurate.

[@nemothefish1725]

Norma is my favorite character for the exact reason that she's relatable. The overstimulation and social anxiety is really relatable and it makes her such a great character.

[@somejellyfish]

I’m not autistic, but I do have PTSD, and being touched a lot terrifies me, Norma is such a relatable character for so many and I absolutely love that there’s finally some serious (and CANON non the less) representation, especially in the form of this amazing lovable character.

[@MinaWalker]

The last scene is relatable for me, the whole making friends thing hasn’t ever been my forte and it hasn’t gotten easier through the years, although I have a few close friends

[@localforestwitch7215]

I've never.. Actually seen a character who actually shows and explains what my autism feels like. I've always seen people with characters and the like who feel completely understood but I just *never* got that outside of Caroline and Edward Scissorhands and I feel... Less lonely now that there is a character who has autism that works like mine. There have been legit scenes that just.. I could myself in 100% and *could* see that reaction as my own.

[@GUMMIESKITTLES_JAS045]

My classes are so loud, yesterday, they were so loud. The bell rang too, and I freaked out because how loud it was, I screamed and started crying, kicking my feet, etc. The class went silent. Please, if you have a student who has sensitivity to sounds, PLEASE respect them and use s inside voice

[@godomoths242]

Binged this show on the first day and boi I had a blast. It was amazing and honestly, kudos to the studio for not just having the first gay leading character in a kids cartoon but also trans as well! Edit: at least the first from an official studio that I've ever heard of

[@ConfusedBean777]

Lol, i also watched the show all at once.

[@KitCameo]

You may be missing out on some great shows if this is the first one you've heard of (not an accusation, just an observation.) If so, you should definitely check out the new She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, as well as Kipo, which are both on Netflix, and Disney's The Owl House, which has a bi lead character, and another lead character with a non-binary love interest who is voiced by a non-binary actor. Barney is the first trans guy lead in a kids show though... I think.

[@NotHereAnymkreLolll]

sorry hey! what’s the name of this show?

[@godomoths242]

@@NotHereAnymkreLolll Dead End Paranormal Park

[@NotHereAnymkreLolll]

@@godomoths242 thanks so much !! gonna check it out soon :D

[@tea_n_ink]

i haven't watched this show but this is DAMN GOOD REPRESENTATION, im autistic and sensory triggers are the fucking bane of my existence and a lot of autism rep is usually presented as social which i have much less trouble in

[@thegoddessofedge]

As someone with autism, I can confirm this is really really good representation. I can completely understand everything she’s feeling, because I’ve been through many similar experiences myself. I have to check this show out.

[@NonsensicalCrimson]

Never heard of this show before but wow, they actually got it right.

[@kaieversfield1025]

As someone who is dealing with a lot of complications from generalized anxiety disorder, the line "You don't understand, my fear world is the real world" hits really hard.

[@alayna1772]

I relate to this so much, I was afraid to go by a sonic and Mario dressed up people and would not go by them at mall of America even though I love sonic

[@magic2546]

I think I remember going through a similar scenario with someone dressed as spongebob, though my memory of it is a little fuzzy.

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

I remember one time I was in a chuckE cheese and my mom forced me to hug the mascot, and if I didn’t We had to leave, the mascot turned its head and I just cried, she made me leave I wanted to stay and play games though :(

[@scarletweb2106]

Yeah me too

[@brookewilliams2041]

I’m not autistic (at least not diagnosed) but I find Norma extremely relatable and the “what’s up with her?” Comment is something I’ve heard my entire life

[@mcsquigglesproductions3976]

I actually understand a lot of how this feels... From the mascot thing being scary even though it would be from a show I adored... To the panic of being around or touched by a lot of people... Just sensory overloads I've experienced before

[@SpecialInterestShow]

I'm 26 and to this day I'm freaked out big time by mascot costumes like those irl. Like, logically I know these are normal people with a costume on, but I think it's the fact that they're 1. A stranger 2. Big 3. having their faces hidden by the costume head 4. Trying to interact/maybe touch me! It's like, go away I don't know you!!! Don't touch me! No I don't want a hug or a picture, shut up, I know you're just a person in a suit!" I'm autistic; I have enough trouble discerning people's facial expressions and emotions! So maybe the fear is due to not be able to see a person's face when they're in a big mascot costume. It's always freaked me tf out.

[@-TacoMan-]

I really need Netflix. This show seems like one of the best animated shows right now. Hopefully I'll be able to get Netflix soon.

[@ellnats]

her panic states, yeah i feared those

[@-tiredkitcat-2336]

Norma is portrayed really well. I as an autistic person can relate to her especially the panic attacks and when she got embarrassed about having a panic attack I really felt that

[@danny8284]

the scene with the panic attacks really reminds me of my sensory overload :] god, this series is SO GOOD

[@razzjammies]

Norma is first canon autistic girl rep in media that I've ever seen... Not to mention it being GOOD rep where her being autistic feels REAL and she is seen as an equal person to her friends and is loved and respected just the way she is. As an autistic girl myself, this feels like being seen for the first time. Not judged or looked down or viewed as something that needs changing or help but SEEN. Seen as a person of worth and value just the way we are. 💖

[@Greetings-r6f]

The fact that she struggles making eye contact with people and socializing spoke to me personally.

[@321hackertime5]

That scene with the weird trust exercise made me so uncomfortable mostly bc I can 100% relate to that

[@auggieheart]

i dont think ive ever related this much to a character in my entire life

[@Max-jm9vp]

this is literally how it is im so glad the show portrayed it

[@Ecliptic-P]

I don’t watch this show but all these scenes actually helped me to understand autism a little bit more actually.

[@komorabii]

I’m glad!

[@noimkindamogus4970]

i know im late but 2:21 perfectly encapsulates how i feel when i reach my breaking point and then realize that everyone is watching

[@SawyerAshIsMe]

Same 😭

[@adridaplague-boi]

it's the scenes where people are saying shit that makes no sense and she's just like "...are u stupid or something" that i love

[@xsweetiebloomx605]

Yeah, she's just like me Except I occasionally also say shit that makes no sense, because I have terrible social skills and zero awareness to anything that's going on, ever (The one explanation I can think of is that I'm possibly ADHD too)

[@strawberrycow1415]

found myself relating to a lot of this and I'm glad norma has friends who understand her or at least try to, it helps a lot when people make an effort to understand you, no matter who you are

[@arkidie]

This is the most I’ve related to anything ever in my life 1. This makes me think I should look into researching autism more and see if I have it. 2. I need to watch this show

[@McJewellist]

As someone who had ASD, start talking till I was 6 and I’m slowly growing out of it as I got older, now it’s very mild now as an adult (Though still had those small habits like talking to myself a lot when I’m alone, needed to work on that) I masked very well without noticing, I hated when people talks down at me like I don’t know everything. I normally which new hobbies or interests in months rather not share them with others in RL (but I find talking about it online sometimes since I’m a private person) When I first find out there was an autistic character on the show, I had to watch it! They didn’t talk down on her like a toddler or other autistic stereotypes. This character who is the main character alongside a trans character (I'm not trans myself though) really makes me happy and very well representative that makes me feel normal!

[@galaxy_editor4]

I wish it was canon. I relate to her so much

[@tacobelle404]

it IS canon actually the creator doesn't have to specifically say "she's autistic" for it to be canon, it being shown in the show is enough

[@galaxy_editor4]

@@tacobelle404 oh. Cool. Thanks for letting me know

[@komorabii]

@@tacobelle404 this is true, but the creator also has said that shes canon! :))

[@huh8671]

It is canon though? Right?

[@galaxy_editor4]

@@huh8671 Even if it’s not (which it is), I am a autistic person myself and see many traits of autism in her character. Some things you can tell without it needing to be said out loud.

[@SoupBowl01]

As someone who suffers from extreme anxiety and social anxiety. I'm glad they put a character like her in the show, it makes me feel like I'm not alone. When I saw that they put trans representation in the show, I immediately felt a sense of comfort and belonging (even though I'm not trans myself). I was having a bad night destroyed by my overwhelming anxiety and I decided to continue watching dead end (ep.3), I was hoping they would put something in there for socially anxious people like me and I was so happy when they did. I really hope that they continue to put autistic/anxiety rep. for other characters in different cartoons. We need more of them

[@the_great_mammon]

I had a camp that would do the human knot exercise and it was always horrible for me. It's nice to see I'm not alone!

[@seamusburke639]

"Guess I'll spend another 15 years hyper-fixating on something." Oh yeah. That's when it clicked for me.

[@wiildsage]

Something else really cool about Norma is that (in my hyperfixation) I was reading an interview with the creator, Hamish Steele, and they found out that they're autistic because of Norma. While writing the comics, they would get autistic fans writing to them and saying that Norma was extremely relatable, so they decided to make it official while writing the show and brought in an autism expert who was like "You must've done your research!"... and Hamish Steele was like "Um, not really". They were just writing a character who was supposed to be relatable, like, "of course everyone feels this way!", and got their diagnosis shortly thereafter. I think that's a lot of what makes Norma so good-- she was actually written by an autistic person with a platform instead of a writing team that maaaybe knew a little bit about autism.

[@childlikewoes12]

can this girl stop being relatable oh my god

[@vinnae]

I haven't been diagnosed as being in the spectrum myself, but I could still relate to some of the things that Norma goes through (I do believe I have some traits even if it doesn't make me fit for a "formal" diagnosis) and I definitely love to see this kind of representation for the people that truly needed to see themselves in a show. ❤️

[@ytcrb]

OHMYGOSHNESS THE SINKING INTO THE GROUND FEELING AND THE- THE SHAKY CAMERA WHEN SHE GETS ANXIOUS- RELATABILITY TIMES A KA-JILLION

[@frapiichino]

Norma getting an anxiety attack because of sensory overload hurt me so much. It's happened to me twice as far as I remember and it sucked so much, and knowing that other people also go throug that makes me feel a little better

[@oddgamingcat7442]

As someone with anxiety and autism, I can relate to Norma all too well, the scene with the whole Norma was getting overwhelmed from being in the human untie yourself thing. What really hit home was when Norma struggles to make friends and the whole 'don't look at me' thing because I get the same way. I will think you're judging me or want something from me. But what really got me when she said ' my fear world is the real world'. Honestly the whole not being able to make eye contact thing was kind of funny. Honestly, she's the best autistic/anxiety representation I've seen so far. Finally, someone with autism who isn't being portrayed as just a robot.

[@EDTJ1005]

The blonde guy is giving very much emperor belos

[@F2PAlius]

I just realized that because the mask of the mascot fell off, norma was like oh it's not a person, nothing to be afraid of. 😄

[@marceldawn0_o]

normas anxiety attacks are too real its hard to watch, like i felt so sad watching that and shes so relatable

[@justaguy444]

I'm also autistic and all these moments I absolutely relate to, especially the people tangle part, I literally did that once and just panicked like Norma did. I absolutely fricking love this show it something I can relate to super well

[@jesuszavala5992]

WOW! I'm not even autistic but I relate to Norma so much in this episode (or the whole show in general)!! I just always find it real hard to get people or just don't get what they enjoy what they do or why they don't get what I like like being on my own and stuff!

[@nebbula7897]

I'm autistic and was ALSO forced the play that exact same hand untangling game with my classmates in 8th grade for a confirmation retreat. I hated every second an wanted nothing more than to let go and get away. It was so frustrating. I feel her pain.

[@jethiliusavalar6449]

Sounds like the folks over at the Death Battle KZbin channel need to pit her up against Entrapta from the She-Ra reboot

[@twist_ending7545]

Recent animated autistic girl vs Recent animated autistic girl

[@DAMIEN_RAHH]

Honestly this is the show everyone needed to see, it can be considered a "kids show" Wich isn't a bad thing I can't wait to see more episodes!

[@GalaticArt]

When the untangling thing came up I was thinking “No just no” it made me freak out a bit it reminded me of times that happened to me sometimes I just need a moment when people get up close to me asking if I’m ok it makes it worst I don’t want anyone close to me I want to be alone but sometimes people don’t get that they take it as me being rude or dramatic and I feel so guilty even though I was overwhelmed and scared :(

[@fcsmusic3936]

Ty. New show to watch added to the list

[@lecamstern00b30]

So glad I'm not the only one who saw it

[@fivepebbles876]

"my fear world is the real world" hit hard damn

[@__-zj3jz]

this show was literally free therapy for me

[@pinleaf]

good lord i Did not think that the rep would be literally on point im autistic and its amazing seeing despite every single one of us being different, comments talking about how relatable normas experience is are basically 100% of the comments here i usually CANT watch shows lol i end up being really lazy abt it, but, being a nd queer, i couldnt hold it anymore and i regret not watching the show sooner also im norma 100%. hey badyah kinnies do any of u wanna be friends /silly the autistic rep we have in media is sadly in such a precarious state , its all 'cishet white man being just overly idiot but hes good at math woww', so seeing norma, a brown-skinned autistic girl [also hits harder bc im a poc!] being literally THE autistic representation ive ever seen, makes my heart flutter and makes me want to growl and explode, affectionally

[@AquaRunner533]

A canon character have autism without making a huge deal? I M P O S S I B L E

[@mhmyeahtotallynotacowinmen3373]

I related to her way too much She’s my favorite character