Max Braverman (Parenthood)

Diagnosis: Asperger's Syndrome

Portrayed by Max Burkholder

Recurring Character

Interview with Max Burkholder and Monica Potter (who plays his mother)

Max is a recurring, main character in “Parenthood”, who is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome early in the first season. Because the show is now in its fourth season, the audience is privy to a great deal of knowledge about his life and we gain new information about Max and his diagnosis during almost every episode.

Max exhibits social impairments, in his nonverbal communication skills, ability to make friends, and a lack of empathy (including in the current season when the family is faced with other devastating news). Max is fascinated by insects and reptiles, and is often motivated by the opportunity to get a new book on a critter. He doesn’t understand sarcasm or metaphors, and is seen being bullied by his neuro-typical classmates.

(This is a short clip showing some of Max's interests and his honesty)

There is a great deal of screen time devoted to this storyline which allows for deeper investigation into his Aspergian characteristics.  One of the best parts is this show's portrayal of the family dynamic and how it changes once they learn of the son's diagnosis. It shows these parents who are trying to navigate this unfamiliar territory. Early in the second season Max's dad says, "I love my son to pieces, but it's a little like living on an island with theses weird rules that don't apply to other people. Thinking all the time, is this going to set him off, what's that noise, should I drive home a different way to avoid the barking dog... always living with that pressure, always. So much, that it feels like you can't breathe sometimes" (Adam Braverman, Father, 2x05). This, along with many other episodes where Max's mother and father are struggling with their child's diagnosis, allow viewers a unique insight into the struggles a family might face and how the unknown is very scary for the entire family.  Writers also do a fair job showing Max's strengths. It's important for parents and teachers to tailor activities to the student's strengths ranter than always trying to "fix" their impairments.

One of my favorite episodes, "Amazing Andy and His Wonderful World of Bugs" (2x16), shows an adult with Asperger's. Adam and Kristina hire Andy, a bug expert, to put on a show at Max's birthday party. It later comes out that Andy has Asperger's himself, and I was initially surprised that the couple did not recognize his symptoms earlier. It is clear that Adam and Kristina were caught off guard by his age and independence. It was relieving for the entire family to see a successful and fully functional adult and that instilled them with a great sense of hope for Max's future. 

Of all the shows and movies I have watched, "Parenthood" offers the most realistic portrayal of a young boy with Asperger's. Because they have the advantage of multiple seasons to coninually add new information, they have contributed to public awareness of Autism and Asperger's. Most importantly, they know that Autism is not a cookie-cutter or one size fits all deal. They explore some aspects of the disorder without following all stereotypes. During my research I learned that the show's producer, Jason Katims, has a teenage son with Asperger's. In an interview he said "My hope would be that it normalizes it, so there's no stigma to it, no mystery to it". His personal experience has transformed into his mission to help eliminate the misunderstanding of Autism. As with many other minority groups, correct and positive portrayals to the masses can help spread awareness. There is no question that people have learned about Autism from "Parenthood".