NAS gives cautious welcome to The Undateables

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has praised Channel 4 show The Undateables for showing the reality of life with Asperger’s syndrome, but criticised its “crass” title for putting people off watching.

The premise of The Undateables is that people living with challenging conditions – be they physical and/or learning disabilities – are often considered ‘undateable’, according to the Channel 4 website. The series meets a few such people and follows their attempts to find love.

The first episode of the show, which aired at 9pm last night, featured Richard, who has Asperger’s syndrome. A spokesperson for the NAS said: “We’ve had serious concerns that the title would cause offence since the programme was first announced and were worried that it could reinforce negative stereotypes of people with autism and other disabilities. “The programme makers have actually done a good job in showing the reality of life with Asperger’s syndrome and its effects on those who love and care for people with the condition. “It’s a shame that the crass title will put many people off watching an affectionate and sensitive portrayal of the universal ups and downs of dating.”