Sue Ann Pien, an #ActuallyAutistic actress stars as Violet in the show, As We See It. She tells Tatler about how the Amazon Prime series is giving an authentic portrayal of autism and those on the spectrum
It’s not every day you get to see characters on the autism spectrum on screen. Even rarer is seeing actual actors on the spectrum authentically portraying their experiences. As We See It is one of the few shows doing just that.
Based on the Israeli series, On the Spectrum, the Amazon Prime show is breaking grounds for showcasing various experiences of those with autism—and played by actors who are #ActuallyAutistic. It follows three roommates—Jack, Harrison, Violet—who are on the autism spectrum. We see them strive to get and keep jobs, make friends, date and fall in love while all navigating the adult world.
Sue Ann Pien is one of the lead stars and plays Violet, the only female character in the trio. Violet longs for connection, whether it’s with her friends or with her potential boyfriend. But her older brother, Van (Chris Pang), is overprotective and wants to keep Violet safe—in his own way. The two always clash and never get along. The only person who seems to understand her is Mandy (Sosie Bacon), the trio’s aide.
In this exclusive interview with Tatler, Pien talks about how the show portrays her experience as an Asian autistic woman, its inclusive working environment, how it’s furthering the conversation about the different experiences of those on the spectrum, and why everybody—regardless if you’re on the spectrum or not—should watch it.
As We See It is breaking ground when it comes to authentic autism spectrum representation on the screen. Can you tell us what it was like when you first heard of the show/seen the script and the feeling when you eventually got on board?
I cried when I read the script for the first time because Violet is so special and unique and I felt destined to read for a role like that as someone who’s on the spectrum myself. Also, I knew it would be a trailblazer in the industry to show a realistic, authentic portrayal of autism and family dynamics. [We’re] lucky we have Jason Katims, the best showrunner in the world to craft this world for us.
The three main characters—Harrison, Jack and Violet—are all played by actors who are on the autism spectrum. In what ways does this further the conversation about autism?
For one, I hope it shows that autistic people aren’t bad actors at all and that there is a true and viable talent that actually comes from our neurodivergence, as the show proves. Next, it should open up the conversation that autism’s spectrum is so wide that you cannot really compare two autistic people. It’s as individual in its expression as Jack (Rick Glassman), Harrison (Albert Rutecki), and Violet are in their onscreen portrayals.
Can you tell us more about the working environment?
This was the easiest set I’ve worked on because of the number of autistic people and people with autistic family members who were hired in front of and behind the camera present. Their innate compassion, kindness, and joy came out of sincere and deep care that made going to set heavenly. As someone who has been on sets with Academy and Emmy award winners, this set was an all-time milestone favourite for me to work on.
You mentioned Violet as the most personal character you ever played. Did you in any way, help shape Violet’s character and in what ways can you relate to her?
At times, Jason and the directors would allow us to improvise during scenes which were really fun because then I’m in free [reign to] explore my character’s wants and needs at the moment. [I can] playoff with my fellow actors as they did with me. We had a lot of fun and surprising moments. Violet’s struggle for independence against an overbearing family member who mostly shows his love via protection is something I relate strongly to. Also, Violet’s social faux pas in the dating world or with “friends” is something I’ve encountered in the past.
Read also: Meet Dr Deibby Mamahit, a Mum of Two Kids With Autism Who Helps Parents Just Like Her