Max Braverman and family will be returning to television for a fifth season of NBC’s “Parenthood,” a fan-favorite among many affected by autism.

NBC has renewed the family drama for an additional 22 episodes to air over the 2013-2014 television season.

The one-hour show chronicles the ups and downs of three generations of the Braverman family, tackling hot-button issues ranging from breast cancer to teen pregnancy, adoption and the challenges facing veterans.

A central theme of the series from day one has been the impact of autism on the family dynamic. Early on, young Max Braverman, played by Max Burkholder, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and the drama follows the family’s efforts to help him navigate the world.

The character is one of few with a disability to regularly appear on primetime network television.

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