When a flyer advertising auditions for “Love on the Spectrum” was posted at her school, Emma Miller saw an opportunity to pursue two goals: explore dating and test the waters in show business.
The unscripted Netflix series follows adults with autism as they navigate the complex world of dating and relationships, while also challenging misconceptions about who they are and the kind of life they want to live.
Miller, a Utah native who is autistic, had already watched “Love on the Spectrum” before spotting the flyer and appreciated its portrayal of people with autism forming meaningful connections.
She felt drawn to the idea of expanding her dating experiences and, as someone passionate about the performing arts, saw the series as a way to fulfill her lifelong dream of being on television.
With gentle encouragement from her mother, Liz, she applied — and suddenly, as Miller puts it, “Bam! Everything started happening fast.”
Two days after submitting her application, she was invited to do an interview. The rest of the application process went quickly. “We did not have time to think,” Miller said. “It was crazy.”
Finally, Miller was asked to join the now-released fourth season of “Love on the Spectrum.” The news took her by surprise. “I couldn’t believe it,” Miller said. “I was like, ‘What? They want me?’ I was so happy. ... Really happy.”
“They just filmed like every part of me, whether that was vulnerability or my happy side. I just love that they did that.”
— Utahn Emma Miller, a contestant on Season 4 of "Love on the Spectrum"
Cameras arrived late last spring to capture Miller on campus at ScenicView, a transitional school for adults with autism and other neurodiversities in Provo, Utah, where she is a third-year student.
Being followed by a film crew and getting asked to do multiple takes of everyday moments — from walking through a doorway to conversations on dates — took some getting used to. But Miller quickly embraced it and took advantage of opportunities to showcase her talents on camera, including performing an original song.
“It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but then I kind of got used to it,” Miller said. She says she is proud of the way she shared her honest self on camera.
“They just filmed like every part of me, whether that was vulnerability or my happy side. I just love that they did that,” she added.
On Monday afternoon, students and faculty at ScenicView gathered in the school’s cafeteria to watch the second episode of “Love on the Spectrum” featuring Miller. As a new lunchtime tradition, the group will continue to meet while they eat to watch all seven episodes of the new season.
Many of Miller’s friends, who also appeared in the show, enjoyed their own moments of fame. But when Miller was on screen, especially during her performance of her original song, “My Own Fairy Tale,” the cafeteria erupted in cheers.
Miller, one of dozens of adults with autism featured on the series, said it was meaningful to share her unique experience navigating relationships — especially alongside peers she knows personally — and hopes her story brings optimism to people both on and off the spectrum.
“Every experience is a learning experience, whether it’s with friendship or romance. What I love about (’Love on the Spectrum’) is it shows you can always learn more about people, what they like and don’t like and what works for you and doesn’t work for you.”
— Utahn Emma Miller, a contestant on Season 4 of "Love on the Spectrum"
“It means a lot to me to show that anybody can find love, whether they are neurotypical or neurodiverse,” she said. “I really think it gives hope to a lot of people.”
Lessons from ‘Love on the Spectrum’
Miller would not reveal where her relationship status stands roughly a year after filming the series — you’ll have to watch to find out — but she did share a few highlights and takeaways from the experience.
At 23 years old (she was 22 during filming), Miller is approaching dating more seriously. She no longer views it as a fairy tale experience and has adopted a more realistic outlook. She has also refined the qualities she values in a romantic partner, including good communication, a sense of humor and comfort with affection.
While reflecting on her experiences, Miller said she especially enjoyed exploring both new and familiar places in her native Utah on dates, from dinner at La Caille to walks around the tulip festival and activities in Park City.
Filming dates around Utah also gave Miller a sense of pride in representing her home state. “I’m really glad that they show like the beautiful state that I’m from,” she said. “It has a lot of cool places.”
Miller added that being part of the series reminded her that every relationship carries lessons, about the people you’re with and about yourself.
“Every experience is a learning experience, whether it’s with friendship or romance,” Miller said. “What I love about (’Love on the Spectrum’) is it shows you can always learn more about people, what they like and don’t like and what works for you and doesn’t work for you.”
Moving forward, Miller hopes she can “make a positive impact on the world,” whether that happens through her appearance on “Love on the Spectrum,” during her time at ScenicView or whatever she chooses to do next.
For other young people with autism, she shared a little advice: “Be authentic, because that’s the easiest way to get noticed, if you’re authentic and true to yourself.”
“There’s always hope for your future, whether it’s school or whatever path comes your way. But you have to learn. You have to be brave and take risks.”
A program that supports independence
After high school graduation, Miller confronted a choice familiar to most recent graduates — figuring out what step to take next.
Miller explored a few traditional post-high school options, but none seemed like the right fit. When her family found ScenicView, everything finally felt right. It gave her the support she needed and helped her “realize my inner potential,” she said.
Founded 25 years ago, ScenicView is a transitional school in Provo that helps adults with autism and other neurodiversities gain independence.
Students begin living on campus in dorms and eventually move into apartments to build more responsibility.
The program emphasizes three areas — Live, Work, Thrive — teaching life skills like cooking, budgeting and self-care; providing on-campus jobs and helping students find internships; and offering social, recreational and wellness activities to help students build confidence and find life satisfaction.
After about three years in the program, students leave equipped to pursue meaningful work and to live independently and responsibly.
Miller’s mom, Liz, hoped that featuring ScenicView on “Love on the Spectrum” would show other parents the kinds of programs available for autistic adults.
“Be authentic, because that’s the easiest way to get noticed, if you’re authentic and true to yourself. There’s always hope for your future, whether it’s school or whatever path comes your way. But you have to learn. You have to be brave and take risks.”
— "Love on the Spectrum" contestant Emma Miller, offering advice to others with autism
“I can’t even imagine a better place. When she came here, she felt so happy and she was doing what she needed to do,” Liz Miller said. “I wanted other parents of young adults on the spectrum to see what’s available.”
Beyond showcasing ScenicView and its students, the series also provides authentic representation of autistic adults in the media, which is still uncommon in mainstream media.
And even though “Love on the Spectrum” is heavily edited, it still captures a realistic look at the lives of autistic adults, said Jared Stewart, a ScenicView program director who was diagnosed with autism as an adult.
“The awkwardness is probably a little exaggerated in the show, but it’s there and that’s real and it helps you really empathize with how much these people, who may really want social connection, but they just don’t know how to go about it,” Stewart said.
“What it gets right is just the earnest desire that a lot of people have on the spectrum for connection and the fact that their world has never really given them the tools to access that connection,” he continued. “They’ve never received that instruction ... that they needed so desperately to be able to make a friend and make a real connection.”
Steward added that most people have a narrow view of autism, often reducing it to a single trait. In reality, the spectrum is broad and includes many different personality types, like Miller’s cheerful, bright disposition.
He said that showing all the “colors” of autism on a popular, unscripted television show like “Love on the Spectrum” is an important step in spreading understanding about autism.
“Having representation that legitimately shows people with autism who are trying to live their life and having their struggles and having their dreams ... that’s really key,” Stewart said.