Ep 2. Episode 2

Following on from the dramatic and revealing first episode, The A Word season 1 episode 2 once again looks deep into the lives of a family dealing with the challenges of autism. For Joe's parents Alison and Paul, it was difficult enough to initially come to terms with the fact that their little boy is autistic, but the road ahead is likely to be even tougher. The signs were there, but it was still a tough journey for the family as they tried to find a balance between everyday life and autism.

For Alison, things aren't much easier at work, as she struggles to find the right balance between her job, her home life, and now, having to take care of Joe's needs. In this episode, she is already beginning to bump heads with her boss, who is making things difficult for her. Meanwhile, Joe's grandfather Maurice, a lovable chap with a tendency to get into scrapes, is also dealing with the impact of Joe's diagnosis.

The challenges facing this family are handled sensitively and with great care, as the show explores the themes of acceptance, understanding and ultimately love. There are moments of humour that help to lighten the mood and remind us that this is still a family with relatable quirks and issues. However, the main focus of the episode is on Joe and how he is adapting to the new reality of his world.

For Joe, the world is a confusing place where things are rarely clear. In this episode, he struggles to understand what is happening around him and becomes fixated on the word 'Nan', causing his parents much concern. It is only when he is given an iPad that he begins to find a way to communicate with his family, and the episode is all the more poignant for it.

One of the most impressive aspects of this episode is how it treats its characters with sensitivity and understanding. No one is vilified, with each member of the family given their own challenges and hurdles to overcome. The writers have done an excellent job of capturing the everyday struggles and triumphs that a family dealing with autism has to face, with great care taken to avoid clichés or stereotypes.

As the episode unfolds, we see the family strengthened by a shared commitment to Joe's welfare. Despite the difficulties and tensions, there is a sense that the family is committed to working together and that they will find a way to navigate the tricky terrain of autism. It is this sense of hope and resilience that makes The A Word a show that is not only important but also deeply moving.

Overall, The A Word season 1 episode 2 is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of television that will stay with you long after it has finished. It is a show that explores the complexities of life with autism with great care and attention to detail. At its heart, it is a show about family, a reminder that, no matter what life throws our way, there is always love and support to be found within the people we hold dear. For anyone who has dealt with autism, or knows someone who has, The A Word is a show that speaks to their experiences and their struggles, and does so with honesty, depth, and a ton of heart.