To recruit actors for his rehearsals, Nathan opens an acting studio in Los Angeles, teaching 'the Fielder Method', which involves covertly observing and imitating unaware subjects. Feeling insecure about his own performance, Nathan reenacts the class with actors and a fake Nathan as the teacher while the real Nathan plays the role of Thomas, a student. Nathan makes his students immerse themselves in other people's lives while he immerses himself in Thomas's life, even living in Thomas's home. Nathan returns to Oregon, where his 'son', Adam, is now a teenager. Nathan and Joshua, the actor playing Adam, decide that Adam should lash out due to resentment of his absentee father and develop a drug problem, a situation that mirrors Angela's own past. Adam suffers an overdose and is tended to by emergency responders played by Thomas and another Fielder Method graduate. After he runs away from home, the 15-year-old Adam reverts to a 6-year-old since Nathan plans to relive his son's earlier years.
Nathan decides to practice his own assertiveness in relationships by challenging Angela over their son's religious upbringing. Angela, a fervent Christian, refuses to allow Adam to be raised in Nathan's Jewish faith, so Nathan secretly brings his son to lessons with a tutor in Judaism under the pretense of swimming lessons. Seeking solace outside the house, Nathan opens his replica Alligator Lounge to the public under the name Nate's Lizard Lounge. The co-parents argue over a comedy skit featuring six-year-old Adam as 'Dr. Fart' and a joke about eating faeces, which Angela claims is a Satanic practice. Nathan rehearses the confrontations with a fake Angela, and in one scenario, she harshly criticizes Nathan's emotional detachment and questions the ethics of the entire production. However, in their real final confrontation, Angela simply decides to quit the rehearsal. Nathan continues to raise Adam, now as a single parent.
Nathan stages a ninth birthday party for Adam, but faces a problem when Remy, one of the child actors who played Adam at age six, becomes attached to Nathan, calling him 'daddy' even after his scenes are over. Remy's mother explains that her son might have trouble understanding the difference between acting and reality. To discover what went wrong, Nathan repeats Remy's scenes with different actors including Liam (a nine-year-old Adam actor), an adult actor, and a mannequin. He then explores what might have happened if Angela had stayed with him and meets with the real Angela, who urges him to forgive himself, as her religious beliefs state. In an attempt to truly understand the connection between parent and child, Nathan stages a new scenario in which he is Remy's mother Amber and Liam portrays Remy. They re-create the experience of appearing on The Rehearsal and becoming attached to 'pretend daddy' Nathan. After coming to the emotional realization that they should not have done the show, Nathan as Amber seemingly breaks character and tells the fake Remy, 'I'm your daddy.'
Each segment of the series focuses on different individuals, exploring their personal stories with sensitivity and candor. From the excitement of a first date to the nuances of communication and social cues, the film offers a rare glimpse into the romantic lives of those on the autism spectrum. It celebrates the unique ways in which they experience love and relationships, while also addressing the societal barriers they often face. Through these stories, the documentary aims to foster a greater understanding of autism and the diverse ways in which it affects people's lives, especially in the context of dating and love. In the third episode, Tanner gets to know Kate with a series of questions. A daring Dani catches Jake off guard. Connor works through big feelings before his first date.
What makes this series particularly compelling is its ability to show that beyond differences, the longing for connection, love, and acceptance is universal. ‘Love on the Spectrum U.S.’ is not just a testament to the resilience and strength of its protagonists but also serves as a source of education and empathy for viewers. Watching it is more than an entertaining experience; it's an invitation to reflect on the nature of love and the importance of celebrating our differences, making it an indispensable addition to the current TV landscape. In the second episode, James goes out with an Instagram admirer. Connor has a pleasant reunion with a former coworker. First-timer Tanner gets dating advice from Jennifer.
This documentary weaves together a tapestry of personal narratives, delving into the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum as they navigate the complexities of love and relationships. Through intimate conversations and heartfelt moments, it captures the unique challenges and triumphs faced by those seeking connection in a world that often misunderstands them. It not only sheds light on the nuanced ways in which autistic individuals experience love and intimacy but also celebrates the universal quest for acceptance and companionship. This series stands as a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend differences, inviting viewers on a journey of understanding, acceptance, and, ultimately, connection. In the fourth episode, Newcomer Journey prepares for her first date. James receives tips from his father. Abbey and David look for lions as Tanner gives Kate a tour of the zoo.
Nathan returns to Oregon, where his 'son', Adam, is now a teenager. Nathan and Joshua, the actor playing Adam, decide that Adam should lash out due to resentment of his absentee father and develop a drug problem, a situation that mirrors Angela's own past. Adam suffers an overdose and is tended to by emergency responders played by Thomas and another Fielder Method graduate. After he runs away from home, the 15-year-old Adam reverts to a 6-year-old since Nathan plans to relive his son's earlier years.