How My Little Pony Attracts an Autistic Audience| A Video Essay by Someone on the Spectrum

[@GraiceKay]

I loved this !! 💓💓💓

[@mlpdisneylover]

Thank you! 🥺🖤❤️

[@klaliwala0509]

Same

[@mistylover7398]

@@mlpdisneylover who would be more autism out of da main 6. I would go with twily or flutters. Plas is autism a effect of not a successful development in 🤰? Or a cure to be "cure" from a disorder or whatever it is that is said to be life long curse of insanity and joker madness. 🃏

[@jcj268]

@@mlpdisneylover another thing about autism and brutal honesty is that people with autism can sometimes say the first thing that pops into their head

[@victorhurwitz5559]

@@jcj268 True very fing ing true.

[@jenkilburn6712]

My 8 year old daughter is autistic and has been having trouble socializing at school - MLP IS her special interest and just today she was talking about how she was using the elements of harmony to help her make friends. I'm so glad I found this video - I'll be sure to share it with her!

[@mlpdisneylover]

Oh my god. Thank you so much for this comment 🥹🥹

[@hello_ree]

Awww

[@albatross1688]

That's awesome! I've sometimes colloquially referred to some of the MLP-related material I own as "friendship tomes", so I'm glad someone has actually made use of the lessons in this series.

[@AbysmalRae]

That’s SO SWEET!!❤😢

[@Ragnark1]

I sincerely hope that what I prayed for in 2008 became this show and its fandom. You should read about my experience in the above comments. So happy that your daughter is able to channel this show into a useful medium by which to socialize.

[@flipperdoodie9408]

As an autistic person, I just love love mlp for helping me out with things I didn’t really quite grasp especially when I was little. I could relate to the problems in each episode having to do with social awareness and relationships! I really owe a lot to this show ! :3

[@maryalicesawesomevids]

Same I watch it bc I love it

[@SophieGirl2001]

Same. It helped me when I was younger, and even helped me with my teenage hood. I’m 20 now, 21 after next month and I’ll be honest, I probably wouldn’t be as good as communicating as I am now if it weren’t for MLP

[@rebster3000]

same!

[@izzymoonbow9615]

I'm not a autist person, I'm a person very smarter and very open-mined and I know

[@Ragnark1]

I'll let you in on a little secret. I have not been diagnosed with autism but with PTSD due to having grown up with an autistic older brother and a scysophrenic older brother (2 of a kind, eh?) Anyway, as a result of this, my ability to socialize normally, especially with the 20-something dude-bros of the early 2000s, made my experience after high school less-than forthcoming. After a failed attempt to move out on my own (well, with roommates) in 2007 (the druggy, dude-bros previously mentioned [and Provo, UT. roommates should know better!]), I returned home in early 2008, frustrated that my life was not going as planned. So, I prayed. While praying, I got this distinct impression that I should pray about a social group that would bring many people together-"people like me," I explicitly stated-the dejected or otherwise rejected. I prayed that it would come so far out of left-field that no one could have predicted it. It would produce social gatherings, gettogethers, and conventions. Well, guess what was happening about that time in 2008? Lauren Faust was putting together her 2008 pitch bible for Friendship is Magic. Did my prayer somehow influence the direction of her inspiration in creating the show? I don't know. What I do know is, in the wee hours of July 4th, 2011, I finally decided to checkout what all the fuss was about with this "FiM" thing. The rest is history. (And what an Independence Day that was... What a SUMMER that was! It was like magic! Literally!) I had by then forgotten about that prayer from 2008. When I remembered, it was like an aha moment. I hope what I did in 2008 somehow influenced the direction of Lauren's creation and the staff as a whole. I prayed again in 2013 or 2014 that FiM wouldn't succumb to the then burgeoning "woke" culture. What did we get? The season 5 premiere-the antithesis of "woke" (and in season 7 or 8 Fluttershy sort of pocked fun at wokeness). I'm not sure if you believe in this sort of thing but I testify that these events occurred! Have a good night.

[@_Wyzteria_]

when i was very young i really related to fluttershy in terms of her shyness and connection to animals. I've always found it hard to talk to others and I usually try to avoid talking to new people if possible. animals made me feel comfort and i tend to have strong connections with them since i dont have to do much talking or follow any weird social rules around them. love this video. i'm glad to see someone make a video essay about this show.

[@mistylover7398]

I would be either twi or flutters if I was a main character

[@maryalicesawesomevids]

Same

[@Mothxcat]

That’s why she was my favorite

[@akemi_444]

Me too

[@foxliasshow7675]

yes i am obsessed with animals amd just amatomy and phsycology and cool awesome sciency stuff like that but like i love animals amd animals and gore and animals and art i love drawing i animal ankmal awoo

[@JustClaude13]

As a side note: Wallflower Blush's biggest problem was that she was erasing people's memories of her being awkward. being a socially awkward person to begin with, that meant she was going around erasing everyone's memories of her. And then was isolated because everyone forgot about her.

[@mlpdisneylover]

Yep

[@simongamer987]

Always thought it was an interesting coincidence how pretty much every adult fan of MLP had autism

[@dinodisneylover1]

I don't think they all had it, probably the majority.

[@Wizchin]

​@@dinodisneylover1 they said most not all lol

[@Eltralor]

@@Wizchin they said “pretty much _every_ adult fan”.

[@magicmoonart]

I wouldn't think so considering autistic people would be more drawn to kiddy things being more childlike so not sure this is the reason they watch it

[@broflovskie]

@@Eltralor And they also said “pretty much”

[@MaidenOfHusbands]

As an autistic…. Nothing has made a greater impact in my life than MLP. It genuinely developed my actual personality and everything about me. The actual love I have for these ponies is so genuine and so strong it’s honestly crazy. And I have SUCH a great bond and connection with them that it honestly feels like they’re still here and they could be in real life. My little pony has such great female representation, I literally relate to all of the ponies and the lessons genuinely helped me throughout the years

[@MaidenOfHusbands]

@@doremirse9950 Go back to hell. You act like that's an insult...

[@Nebulousgardens]

i am autistic and i've liked mlp since i was really young. i never really understood why, but i would see little things in characters from different shows and find that in myself too, and i could relate. even though i didn't exactly point it out in my head or to others, just seeing it made me feel as if i am normal (which, i am, i'm just not neurotypical). and before i received my official diagnosis of asd and adhd, i had inserted symptoms of those things into ocs (original characters). shows like mlp and the ocs i've made really do help make autistic people and those who aren't neurotypical people feel less alone. i didn't even realise that mlp characters had some of the symptoms and characteristics of autistic people until you pointed it out. it makes a lot of sense as to why i like it so much. thanks for the video :))

[@mlpdisneylover]

Thank you so much for this comment! 🖤❤️

[@SargentSlimJim]

Because I'm Autistic and have adhd I can relate the Ponies from mlp.

[@krazykat357]

As someone who’s has autism, I’ve related to almost everyone in the main 6. Got into this fandom when I was 12 and now I’m 22. I’ll never leave this fandom or stop watching the show, it helps me so much. This show has been with me throughout my life, even before gen 4 came out. Through the tough and thin, helping me even now. This show will always have a special place in my heart

[@MLPPixel727]

A lot of the issues that people who have Autism face seem familiar to what a lot of demographics of people also experience. I don't think I have Autism, but some of Applejack's social struggles, for example, are relatable to me. This is not to denounce your argument, in case my message is not coming across. What I mean is that people can help people with Autism and see them as equals with extra needs for social health. 💛

[@SunIsLost]

Yea

[@eIIaaaaa]

Agreed

[@Dreamy.Collector]

I am autistic too and this video is perfect!! I identify with a small part of every Mane Six. I have hyperfocus just like Twilight and sometimes I forget to do other things because I'm super focused and I get frustrated when they interrupt my focus. I identify a lot with Fluttershy too, but replacing animals with people older than my age, since I was little I tend to have more affinity for talking with older people than with kids my age or teenagers my age, but because of that, I've had problems just like Fluttershy..I've participated in My Little Pony groups where evil people tried to manipulate me and I have a hard time figuring out who is evil or not.

[@mlpdisneylover]

Oh no! I’m so sorry about your experiences in those groups :(

[@Dreamy.Collector]

@@mlpdisneylover 🫂

[@magicmoonart]

I too have always related to and gotten along better with older people! Teenagers have always been ugh. I've also gotten along better with little kids younger than me

[@elainestegeman7204]

I am autistic too, but I never saw the parallels before. I thought MLP was stupid before a friend introduced me to it. I also really relate to Applejack’s character for the same reason. The friend who introduced me, she even said I am Applejack. I believe that even though the ponies display symptoms of autism, it doesn’t mean that neurotypical people can’t display some attributes.

[@mellohiz2473]

i love this so much!! i love the idea that everyone in the mane 6 is autistic but presents in very different ways, as an autistic person, i relate to pinkie pie because being autistic causes me to have a lack of boundaries, inability to understand when i need to take things seriously, overreaction, a lot like pinkie pie! in the episode "a friend in deed", when pinkie gets confused and upset when she doesnt immediately become best friends with cranky and starts to worry if she did something wrong, thats what really did it for me!!

[@pumpkinpaw9534]

This makes so much sense and I never thought of this before! I find this super interesting because, as someone with OCD, I've always found Fluttershy incredibly relatable. Especially in "Scare Master," when she can't stop coming up with irrational bad things that could happen, and compulsively avoids things like candy, and bobbing for apples, to the point where all she can do is hole herself up in her house. I nearly cried watching it, because it just hit so close to home, and I was so proud of her for overcoming her fears. I know a lot of people say Twilight has OCD, and I see that to some extent, but I always saw my own OCD experience in Fluttershy (as well as Wander, from Wander Over Yonder).

[@Emma_The_H0ppin_H00ligan]

Ngl this was really informative, i myself am not autistic but i have two older siblings who are. My brother used to hyperfixate on my little pony when he was younger (generations 3 and 4, to be specific) and we would bond over the show growing up, watching this made me understand a little more about autism and kind of why my brother liked MLP so much. So thank you :)

[@SpiritDetective06]

As a austic itself,many of the life lessons watching the show was a turning point for me and a good one

[@calebrimer2870]

For me, I like the characters and the world they inhabit, The adventures they have, and how much I can see myself in a lot of the characters. Also, the show influenced me to become a creative with pencil art and writing

[@SunIsLost]

Nice

[@ishroop5318]

i relate a lot to you being hesitant to wanting to watch my little pony at first. when it came out, i was around 6 or 7, and i was more of a "rockstar" type of 'girl' and thought the show was too girly for me, guess you could call me a pick me at a young age. one morning when i woke up super early, there wasn't anything else to watch on tv, and nobody else was awake. so, without feeling embarrassed, i stubbornly sat down and watched fall weather friends and by the end of the episode, i was completely in love with the show. i related heavily to rainbow dash's character and became obsessed with the show, and saw my close friends in twilight, fluttershy, and rarity. these friends are still close with me today. now i'm 18 and still find so much comfort in this cartoon that i was so sure would just be girly and babyish, but was way more than just its colours. it's one of my favourite shows and rainbow dash is still a character i hold incredibly close to my heart, especially as someone trying to get an adhd diagnosis. :)!!!

[@catisyellen9877]

I’m an autistic female and this is one of my favorite shows ever. Got into it when I was 16. ❤️

[@Snakepit_Media]

Honestly, this video essay still holds up so much It's very much a wonderful essay and as a neurodivergent person, at least someone with ADHD I really related to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie pie Though with someone with severe social anxiety I relate a lot personally with Fluttershy, especially with having an easier time interacting and understanding animals more than ponies.

[@drtaverner]

The moment I saw the pilot I thought "Oh, it's about an autistic girl who learns how to make friends. Where was this show when I needed it as a kid?"

[@picklerick9106]

im autistic and have been watching mlp since it came out when i was just a toddler. i was obsessed with it for years and always drew the ponies, i connected with them on a personal level and used to pretend i was some of them. it holds such an important place in my heart

[@georgeharvey4226]

I'm also on the Autisitc spectrum. Back in 2014, I was struggling a lot with college work and the stress of getting everything done by set deadlines. Around that time, I started watching Friendship is Magic and the content really helped me to stay above high water.

[@chuck6845]

I have autism and I definitely relate to rarity in almost every way. My special interest is fashion design and I’m currently studying it in university. My other interest is beauty; because I’m a girl I think people often overlook my interest and pass it off as me just being a “girly girl”. When I say I love makeup and skincare I’m talking about the chemistry of it. I use myself as an experiment, in some way. I love talking about products as a reflection of the wonder of cosmetic chemistry. I also totally feel Rarity whenever she freaks out lol. Especially if I’m designing something for someone else, any feedback they give causes me to spiral and overlook my pieces to the point where I make myself believe that everyone hates my pieces. Like my friend complimented it yes, but their tone was off, it means they hate it!! We both want everything to be perfect, and this perfectionism is our greatest fault. EDIT: ALSO!!! Her inability to hide her emotions is so relatable to me as an autistic person. I have a really hard time faking what I’m feeling or masking. A lot of the time that means I come across as overdramatic or reactive, but really I just feel things extremely deeply. Everything is important! One of the ways I actually feel the most myself is when I’m dressed up (hair done, sick outfit, makeup) and looking like a bimbo.

[@melissapatton7717]

I'm 16 turning 17 in September i have to say this show is my childhood and this show helps me throughout tuff times I'm also autistic too

[@lilsunny7399]

I'm going to be honest, i came to this video expecting the usual medical jargon and critical analysis straight from WEBMD from someone who has no idea what they're talking about...and i'm glad I was wrong. This is beautiful. A real in depth analysis of each character, based on experience and knowledge. And everything said is absolutely right. I have ASD myself and yeah, i relate to everything said pretty much. My biggest Virtue and Vice has always been my empathy. Sometimes it helps me understand people better and help them through difficult times. Other times it makes me feel emotional about things that have nothing to do with me personally. But i wouldn't trade it for the world, and it's the biggest reason why Sunset was, is and always will be my favourite character.

[@seranrevere865]

To my knowledge, I do not have autism. However, I’ve found this show very helpful and relatable in social situations. I’ve always been one to find something that interests me and focus hard on it to keep me sane. I get more connected to things that can’t talk back. I also have extremely high anxiety which makes it almost impossible for me to function when I get stressed (either I’ll start crying, and if it’s really bad I’ll either scream bloody murder in pure panic or just hyperventilate until I pass out). But this show def helped me when I was in middle school. Every pony was relatable pretty much. It also helps you learn how to connect with people and act in public. I’m going to be 22 next month and I’m still trying to better myself. Feels like every time I fix something, I have to relearn another thing.

[@DanknDerpyGamer]

I was in a hell of a depression at the end of 2012 - this show (which I watched at the urging of a friend in my social circle) really was a hell of a therapy. .. on top of just ... being amazing all around - the characters, the worldbuilding, the attention to storywriting, the mix of slice of life and adventure, the humor, the relatability of the characters, the settings, holy crap. I really hope that Hasbro can capture the raw essences of what made FiM so awesome to all as the franchise moves forward (or keep in mind what they are) - enabling that magic to shine through whatever the generation, settings, characters, stories, etc.

[@FiremanSam_LegoNinjago]

I have autism, depression and other disorders and I’m 17 and my little pony is one of my favourite shows, I have been having trouble with my friends at school lately because they have been leaving me out and making plans without me, mlp has brought me comfort, my favs characters are Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer and I carry my figures of them everywhere with me ❤

[@jeanniceferrier3418]

Autism is not more present in amabs, females/afabs are just underdiagnosed due to their symptoms showing differently.

[@jeanniceferrier3418]

@@doremirse9950 I don't know how you should feel about the fact that you're using the term "ret*rded" to talk about autism then. Don't you have any self-awareness nor moral compass? (also i was just quoting what was said in the video. I should have thought about saying amab instead of males, yes, and i've just corrected that mistake. Thank you for pointing that out at least. But shame on you for using that word as an insult.)

[@SunIsLost]

I have Autism and ADHD and I love My Little Pony and Minecraft.

[@Saba-LouAKhan]

Hello, This gathers many thoughts I’ve had myself. I’m 21 and recently figured out my autism. I remember watching MLP with my little cousin and thinking I was too old to love it as I did (I was 12, my cousin 8). Thanks for this.

[@eternal-z2h]

as an autistic person, i absolutely LOVED this show when i was younger and i still have a place in my heart for it now. about a year ago i decided to finish the series and cried when it ended. this show was amazing

[@ryuspiritvtuber]

I’m on the autism spectrum and I started loving my little pony since G3 (So I was a child back than) When G4 came I had know idea some represent autism, I can relate to Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash thanks to my social skills and fixation to cats, dragons and Pokémon. Thanks for making the video

[@princesspikachu3915]

You sound like me. Except G2 was what I grew up with. G3 has only one good special that I’ve seen. I like cats, dragons, Pokémon, and anything fluffy or scaly. My 5 year old girl is similar. Husband though I have my suspicions that he has ADHD though.

[@Ickymunches]

Im lower functioning autistic, and ive always had a special interest in mlp. Theres just something about it that always made me feel so connected to the show

[@MLPPixel727]

I'm happy for you that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has helped you!

[@mlpdisneylover]

Awww! 🥺🥺🖤

[@Dreamy.Collector]

Anyways I feel like I'm commenting too much 😅 maybe KZbin will think I'm Spam, but I really really loved your video🥰💖 Before(like, some years ago) I didn't say I'm autistic because I thought I would be bullied by others, especially on my channel, but after I started talking about it, it was totally the opposite of what I thought🥰. And more and more I find content like yours, talking about positive and interesting things, different from what people made me think, that autism is a bad thing, but it's not at all!!💖💖💖 I am Autistic and ADHD and I love the way I am🥰💖

[@sarafluttershylover978]

I have autism and i love my little pony! it makes me happy and positive whenever i feel sad and have negative toughs.😊😊

[@MysteryPonyFiction]

Overly friendly people can annoy me. Often I am pushing you away because I don't want you to be involved in what happens when I get in a bad mood. I used to be optimistic, but I've witnessed too much now. Am cautious of other people, been betrayed a lot by them.

[@natrix4lifeproductions]

Hey! I'm an autistic person who started watching My Little Pony in 2014 and finding never ending joy in the series. Much like you still, I too struggle with OCD. I as a brony am really glad you made this video, capturing how the vast majority of characters possess their very own special autistic attributes. I've always felt somewhat connected to Twilight Sparkle, who is my favorite character by the way, but I never truly understood why. Earlier ago, though, I started suspecting that she was indeed autistic, since as I got older I began viewing My Little Pony differently. Above all, though, I was hesitant about watching the show when I first heard about it, and upon giving it a chance placed it as my favorite kids cartoon, and my top 10 shows overall. Insights about some of the other characters I never accounted for were included and helped me really open my eyes, and of course questions about what i was previously suspecting were coming true. As a person on the autistic spectrum, I wish I'd found this earlier because I just loved watching it. Thank you - Natrix4Life

[@mlpdisneylover]

Awwww!! 🥺🥺❤️🖤

[@natrix4lifeproductions]

Thank you!!!!😭😭😭😭😭

[@mlpdisneylover]

@@natrix4lifeproductions no problem! 🖤

[@natrix4lifeproductions]

@@mlpdisneylover There should be more videos like this. I mean it!!!! This was awesome!!!!

[@mlpdisneylover]

@@natrix4lifeproductions thank you dude! 🖤

[@DefNotEnder]

I’m Autistic and I love the show because I like horses, animals with unrealistic colors (part of why I’m a Furry), and Fluttercord (not just the ship but the characters themselves)

[@tiffany-chan1235]

As a fellow person on the spectrum who grew up with Friendship is magic, this was a really interesting analysis, it was definitely one of the shows that felt like that it shaped me in a really good way, and while yes my favourite pony is Rarity, I do tend to relate to Twilight and even a bit of Pinkie Pie. Also I appreciate the dig at Autism Speaks BTW!

[@nyarcy]

I’m in the spectrum and I haven’t realized how much I relate to these characters until now 😭

[@wolfcry087]

I loved this analysis, everything makes so much sense! I'm not finished the video yet but it's great so far, and I wanted to comment on the music choices too, I've recognized a lot of the songs so far :) I'm not on the spectrum but I have ADHD and I also have quite a few friends who have Autism or ADHD, I've also noticed that the few friends I made during my childhood ended up often being diagnosed with Autism, and throughout my life I've struggled with getting myself to be social and making friends ever since middle school, so to me it makes sense why I would gravitate towards a show like this (plus I'm a huge fan of animated fantasy and talking creatures, so there's that appeal for me as a child as well). I had stuck around for MLP:FIM since pretty much the beginning and I was INVESTED, I remember even throwing a mini Rainbow Dash-themed celebration party that I invited my siblings to when Rainbow Dash officially got accepted into the Wonderbolts Academy in the show! It was one of my main three longest-lasting obsessions so far in my life, and although I'm not obsessed with it like I was back then, it still means so much to me. Thanks for making this intriguing video!

[@Auspop]

"I am Autistic I like videos talking about my learning disability, it's fun to express myself through trying to find people like me or safe places, an interesting thing with me is that I have basically experienced both sides of the spectrum, non-verbal and verbal, I was non-verbal but became verbal, that's basically the quick way of putting it I guess.. and I'd say that my repetitive behaviour was more noticeable but when I became verbal they either became less noticeable or overdone depending on the situation, people sometimes think I'm pretending or being quirky, when I for no reason act hyper or make noises, or skip around jumping around, tiptoeing screeching, sometimes even clapping, I am certainly random or weird sometimes, but most of the time I'd seem like any other normal person. edit: also my special interest is cartoons, literature, reading and writing, language and things like that, because I had to work with words and write them out into sentences to communicate through an iPad, when I wanted to/need to communicate verbally when I was non-verbal or shy, because even tho I was verbal somewhat I wouldn't act like it and would refuse to talk, until I started to learn how to communicate slowly and talk more the more I learned how to make more and more noises into words to put into formulated sentences for conversations/communication. I also like the look of letters and the sound and flow of language so that could also be a reason as well. I could go on and on, but I won't, that's all I gotta say! :P"-Poppy. (2024).

[@sophiebyers5496]

My favorite autism representation is Duck from Thomas and Friends. Sure, it was never revealed but he displays quite a few traits. I actually made two videos about it. One for the TV series. While the other is for The Railway Series. Social Skills: Even though he is extroverted and likes talking to other. He can be brutally honest and talk too much about his interest. Also repeats certain sentences or phrases. For example: “There are two ways of doing things. The great western way or the wrong way”. Another thing about him is that he shows empathy in a different way. Where he can be very kind and compassionate. Along with preferring someone to get their consequences. By the way, he isn’t always aware of someone’s feelings. Behavior: He really enjoys hard work and likes them to be finished on time by doing it correctly. In one episode, he had a meltdown when Thomas made him mess up his work. Due to this, he, Thomas, and Harold got stuck in a tunnel. Another thing about his is that he’s really interested in sailing, the regatta, and his great western heritage. Also, he have a bit of a temper sometimes. Where he would sometimes yell and rather say harsh things. Finally, he can quite impulsive at times. Sensory Issues: He has made an unpleasant face when the barber put shaving cream on him. Has yelled and complained about the water being wet and cold. Also had trouble seeing in the hard rain while the rest of the characters don’t have a problem with it. By the way, he is sensitive to strong smells as well. Stimming: He does sometimes hum when he’s feeling happy. Again, none of the other characters ever do that.

[@Sugarp1xel]

I’m not autistic but personality I use mlp as a comfort just because it’s so positive and it’s nice to watch something that isn’t violent and cruel

[@ultimation7159]

Wow! This was quite lovely! I'm also someone on the autism spectrum and have first started watching the MLP Fandom since I was 10 (now I'm 18). And I'm also one of the many bronys who like the show (even to this day)! I relate to the many things discussed so much, especially when I was younger, like Applejack's refusal to ask for help sometimes. Or Yona feeling like she needed to fit in to be accepted. Not only was this show just generally appealing to me, it helped me so much with how to have good friendships. It helped me be someone that some others are thankful and blessed to have in their lives. I agreed with a lot of what this video said and I'm thankful this showed in my recommendations!

[@_dumbcookii750]

I have autism As well and I’m so happy that I grew up with this show as a toddler to a teenager

[@woofnuggiez]

This had me kind of sobbing by the end of it thank you I loved this video, I really wish I could actually believe the parts where it says we all have a place in this world..

[@getsouped]

awesome video, ive never considered this !! im a longtime fan with audhd (among other things), been in the fandom for over a decade now actually !! (ive been a mlp fan since i was 9, im 21 now) ive started to see pinkie pie and rainbow dash as having adhd, but this video shone a new light that i never saw before !! i was just like you, i didnt like mlp at first because it was too girly and i had always doubted my gender (im a masc-presenting nonbinary), but my crush in fifth grade got me into mlp and i realised that hey, this show is really awesome! i still need to finish the series tbh, i focused on other things for a while, but mlp has become a comfort show again. awesome video !!!!!!

[@avastoyboxandarcade]

This is an incredible video essay! I learned a lot about autism from this video, as someone not on the spectrum. I have ADHD and I do like to headcanon that Rainbow Dash also has it. I adore how neurodivergent coded this show is, that could one of the reasons why I love it so much.

[@JonnyMusicOrganist]

That was a very well-made video essay. Thank you so much for producing this. I myself at 4 years old was diagnosed on the High-Functioning end of the Autism Spectrum. My most relatable Mane 6 characters were Twilight, Rarity and Applejack. Though my most favourite (and the one that reminded me of childhood self) of them being Fluttershy. I have this show to thank for encouraging me to not apologize for who I truly am, which goes to show how out of all pieces of music I chose first to arrange for the pipe organ, was This Day Aria, from the Season 2 Finale. If it weren't for the show, I don't even know if I would've ever attempted to pursue music production and focusing much more on my interests over time.

[@URnightmares162]

I use to be like Fluttershy when i was a kid and now im like Rainbowdash. I do have Autism, but ADD could be the case i never was diagnosed with also (i do have family members with it).

[@princesstwilightsparkle504]

i am a very autistic person, and I really love mlp because it helped me out with difficult things

[@MLPPixel727]

A family member of mine, as well as a friend, has Autism, so I appreciate when people who have the same special needs are expressive and share what it is truly like.

[@ravenartistofficial]

I recently found out that I am on the spectrum, explaining why I occasionally have involuntary silence when under a lot of pressure or unrelated stress, and why I have horrible social anxiety and often times even get a few words out around people. There are only a select few people that I can actually talk to normally and be myself around and not a single one of them are family.

[@edenanimates1465]

Fluttershy and pinkie pie are my favourite characters because I relate to them Fluttershy-she has an interest in animals and is pretty shy, prefers to keep to herself but tends to open up to her friends and close relatives Pinkie pie-is pink, is very jolly and sometimes has a bit of a stim like pronking, and the just being pinkie pie bits are relatable

[@The_AuraMaster]

As an Autistic guy, thank you for making this video. All my brony friends are Autistic and I thought it was just a nice coincidence, and I've seen people say the characters in MLP are Autistic without elaborating which I thought was just them making a headcanon, but your video explained so much. I went into this series thinking nothing past it being about friendship, but seeing you point out stuff like Autistic traits and stimming with the characters really made me think... This series was made with Neuro Divergent people in mind! I'm so happy I got back into this fandom, otherwise I never would've known how lucky I am to have found it in the first place.

[@MysteryPonyFiction]

MLP was my autistic obsession for 11 years and since i'm 35, that's a big chunk. Used to be obsessed with Final Fantasy and Stargate. MLP was the first one that had actual incentives to go outside and attend meetups. Been a brony my whole adult life pretty much. Can't imagine not. I do have other interests, but I need to retreat back to the comfort of ponies when I'm having a hard time. Just chilling out with other mlp obsessed nerds and such and sharing cute art.

[@bunniibot4140]

I really enjoyed this video. I don’t know if I am autistic, but I really related to the character Twilight in middle school. And I adapted to Pinkie’s personality in high school. Music and drawing are some of my special interests, I always had my head phones in my ears especially during stressful situations, or when feeling left out of the friend group I had. I’m 23 now, still a fan of mlp and grateful that so many others liked it as much as I do. 🤗💕

[@airconditionedBreeze]

I have ADHD and Autism, though I'm not sure about MLP helping me. I just like it. The things you mention about the characters here, is very relatable to me.

[@trinitytheautisticwolf]

I've loved Friendship is Magic since day one of the show. As a toddler, I liked G3 and G3.5 and always enjoyed watching them during my leisure time! When I was diagnosed with autism, I felt like I didn't fit in as much anymore among my classmates, and watching Friendship is Magic was my comfort circle, after seeing how the characters acted and the lessons they kept learning, I felt like I related more to the characters and tried using those lessons to try and make friends myself, and I eventually became friends with a girl named Alex, my first ever friend. But as I kept getting older and focused mostly on my classes, I had fewer and fewer friends. That was until high school when my family and I moved to where I live now, I felt it was an area where I could finally make close friends! This was in the middle of when COVID was still highly active and we had to wear face masks in public. During my history class when I moved in the middle of my sophomore year, I met another girl who I became friends with named Peyton. However, she said she transitioned to an extension school close to the end of that same year. Then during the second semester of my junior year, in English class (my strong suit), when all my classmates were switching table groups, I made my very first friend group: their names were Daniel, Nathan, Amai-Lee, and Meridee. Then during my senior year in science class, I met a transgender student whom I supported named Ethan. I also met twins in Spanish class named Damien and Marius who were a part of the football team. I'm still friends with them today, even if I can't see them now. I also had a bestie I made in English class named Elizabeth (I called her Lizzie). Now, I'm currently attending a sort of extended part of the high school to help special education students start their lives as adults. I actually see all of them as a secondary family because of our similarities. I also have 3 best friends there right now: Jeneva (me and I ride the same bus every day), Kyle (Jeneva's boyfriend), and Cizo (full name Narcizo). I saw the closest bond with him, and we both agreed that we wouldn't start dating until we both thought the time was right. Remember, you can't rush into something immediately, most things take time to be truly perfect.

[@Dreamy.Collector]

The character I most identify with is Pinkie Pie, and since I was little my classmates used to say I was just like her... but they thought I was just as annoying as her.. :/ Just like Pinkie Pie, I really enjoy talking and sharing my interests, talking about them all the time and I have a hard time understanding if people are laughing at me or laughing with me.🥲🥲🥲

[@danmspaint1203]

no one can change my mind but all of the ponies in mlp are either autistic or have some form of adhd because ALL OF THEM HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST!! and it honestly makes sense! i've loved mlp since i was a kid and i'm now realizing this, which is like damn that makes sense I haven't been diagnosed with autism (since my family doesn't believe i have autism) but i plan to when I live on my own :]

[@princesspikachu3915]

As a person who is also on the spectrum I always thought the ponies were on the spectrum. I also didn’t become a fan until right before the season 5 premiere. I, too, thought it would be too girly. It wasn’t until I found out my friend was a “brony” that I gave the show a chance. The first episodes I ever seen was Twilight’s Kingdom part one and 2. Been a fan ever since.

[@KaminoKatie]

As an autistic woman(ASD+ADHD), MLP have been one of my major hyberfixations for the longest time though I have recently fell out of love for it in favor of Monster High G3. But It would've been really groundbreaking if Lauren did get to have Twilight be canonically autistic (Also, it's a missed opportunity to also mention G1-G3 as well)

[@pyxesghost1426]

Despite all the real bad problems that we can understand and realize on the show and relate to real life, i always found it magnificent to show all the very distinct differences and how we can be inclusive when the meaning is to understand each other, all the sort of weird and silly things just puts there that possibility to work and making people super relate to those behavior, the show just made me even more open to know and help if someone needs, i really had experiences with autistic people and other disorders, i felt useless cause i had lack of courage to face the super ego, so i just tried to make them comfortable by my side while not making it clear for the rest of people around that the person has those conditions, people never seem to help anyway so i always tried to be helpful for the person close, we all can be fucked in the brain, but not in the heart.

[@AnniAlison]

I wasnt diagnosed with autism until i was 15. I was misdiagnosed most of my childhood life. That messed me up completely. But i used to watch this show when i was 12. I loved it back then. Then i changed interests lol. My interests usually change. Interests are like obsessions sometimes

[@Thunker147]

ABOUT PINKIE PIE remember season 1 ep 10. I always wondered why I liked it so much and never was annoyed at Pinkie when she would just do her own things instead of helping others even as a child. Now I know. As an autistic person with adhd I can sometimes be so into something and in my own world that people are just like: "Oh it's just what she is like" Even when I am trying to solve a problem and help people don't notice always because the minute I get an idea I am already doing it. Just like Pinkie was so knowing of those bugs that she just went straight to the thing. I think it is a pretty good detail I noticed. I think it's so amazing that although it was hard to be undiagnosed autistic child there was one place that understood me complitely and was a safe place to explore my personality in so many different ways without judgment. Like that episode showed me that it's okey to do things in your way. I just love my little pony and always have. I actually think that there is no better neurodivergt repetation than My little pony. You can call me overexatirating but tell me witch other show does these things: 1.Let's neurodivergt people be happy while beign neurodivergt 2.Makes those very qualitys that are viewed as weaknesses by sosiety into strenghts (like special intresses or that pinkie pie episode) 3.Emphasises with neurodivergt people (like season 2 ep 19) 4.Doesn't mock neurodivergt people but rather makes those who mock neurodivergt people look weird 5.Let's neurodivergt people have flaws just like any other human without making them look like a monster 6.Doesn't demonise neurodivergency 7.Shows neurodivergency in girls 8.Makes an acepting inviroment to neurodivergt people 9.Shows signs of neurodivergency that are not stereotypical or at least the way people would automaticly view neurodivergt person (And yes I am saying neurodivergt because I think My little pony also made repetasion to adhd people, dyslexia, tourette, dyspraxia etc.) (:

[@CartoonistGamerOfficial]

as a person who was a brony for a small amount of time, i can say. this is accurate

[@FluttersShy-ln2ln]

I love how all the BG music is 90s era game themes 😊

[@MLPPixel727]

I used to have a lot of mental disorders, so I can relate to a lot of your struggles mentioned.

[@CoolattasLab]

I didn't get into MLP until i was 18 (two years ago now) but it's incredibly important to me! Pretty much every character could be interpreted as autistic and it's so nice to see characters with the same traits as you! Starlight is my favorite, personally :) Also I appreciate this video having subtitles! I struggle to process what people are saying most of the time so it's good to have

[@victoriasunivers]

I have Autism myself and I have seen MLP since I was 6 and now I’m 17. As a person with Autism that is not very good to talk to strangers MLP has changed me a lot! When I was little I never wanted to talk as I was really shy as Fluttershy, and now I have become much better to talk and be social to people. I have always wanted a dog since I was 8 years and I got one in 2019 as I had 3 rabbits when I was little✨🥰✨

[@victoriasunivers]

@@doremirse9950 have already done my exam😉

[@MysteryPonyFiction]

Fluttershy was basically me, and was my favourite pony forever. I close myself off from people because I'm afraid I will hurt them.

[@xx_luvbitez_xx]

I love this as an autistic person I always felt like MLP taught me how to make friends as an autistic child so this was a great documentary!!

[@xx_luvbitez_xx]

@@doremirse9950 uhmmmm why would you even say that??? Blocked.

[@monkemonk377]

Between an autistic friend who keeps telling me i'm autistic and now this appearing in my feed, as a brony, i dunno if i should take it as a sign bruh I'm not autistic for liking those little ponies, right guys? Right? It's just ADHD lol

[@nezumi7253]

Mlp helped me to socialize with people and learn about emotions and psychology. Identify as Fluttershy really helped me and i made some friends because it was my fixation for over 9 years💓

[@Nameorsmth]

Friendship is freakin' magic! - Scout, TF2

[@fluffynyasquirrel]

IM FUCKING AUTISTIC AND I LOVE THESE FUCKING PONIEEESSS

[@wendydomino]

I don't like asking for help because I've had a lot of experiences where I just don't get it. For example in first grade we were given these book cover papers. I didn't know where to fold them or how to do it right. When I tried to just fold it around the book it wouldn't stay on. Everyone else seemed to be getting it. Nobody had told me about how the folding lines worked or anything like that and I'd never seen anything like it before so I had no precedent for it. I asked the teacher for help and she kept retorting with "God helps those who help themselves". And I said "He's not helping me right now could you please help me?" and she kept mocking me with that phrase of "God helps those who help themselves". The very concept was confusing because I didn't know how someone was supposed to turn into two people and help themselves... I had tried and tried to do it myself and I really needed help and she just refused to help me. There have been a lot of other situations in life where I would ask someone for help because I needed it. They would assume I was being lazy or didn't want to do something myself and refuse to help me. I would try to do it myself after that, mess things up, and then I'd get in trouble for not doing whatever it was because I couldn't do it without help. So now if I need to ask for help it's a very last resort kind of thing because even now a lot of times if I do try to ask for help it's given very begrudgingly or it takes forever for someone to actually help me.

[@SiimplyAxo]

My whole thought process throughout this video: *"they are just like me fr"* *"I wonder im autistic"*

[@dreamymelody12]

19:18 I STARTED TEARING UP WHEN I HEARD TREES 💔 OMG WHAT A SWEET SURPRISE

[@pastel902]

As someone with autism I thought Sheldon from Big bang theory which kind of an insult autistic people

[@federicomanuelolveira7658]

Maud Pie is the best character

[@Davidunknow]

As person who was once had Autistic spectrum disorder at first I didn’t want a tired of the show because of my sister and cousins that all the time bored me but now I never realize that My Little Pony had this impact of relate that’s why major of the fandom are in the Autism spectrum that’s why as you grow up you understand

[@mlpdisneylover]

huh!? you used to be autistic!? how!?

[@Davidunknow]

@@mlpdisneylover well I’m still have Autistic behavior but not as frequent but still nervous I still identify as autistic but either way it’s just I don’t show much in public

[@mlpdisneylover]

@@Davidunknow oh that’s called masking

[@Davidunknow]

@@mlpdisneylover Well thank you never realize My Little Pony had huge impact on me in 2nd grade during bullying now I feel positive now have good friends who knew show about ponies will have a huge impact on issues thank you 😊❤️

[@spencerprevis3184]

Boutta subscribe just for throwin the mcdonalds brony in there at the beginning

[@mlpdisneylover]

I put in there because I just don’t know how to start videos 😭😭 But I also wanted to show an example of a fan being autistic. I hate to admit it, but I think I found that video through a cringe compilation one time...

[@thekarlshow_tm]

I’ve never been actually diagnosed with anything, idk why, but my moms always told me I probably have something like aspergers. Again I’m not saying anything for certain since I’ve never been confirmed to have it, but I definitely feel certain symptoms with the mane six. The social anxiety, not liking to communicate, hyperfixations and wanting to share them, feeling like I can’t make a lot of friends a lot, drawing and listening to music to calm down, etc. again not 100% confirmed that I’ve got anything and these are just random symptoms that could or couldn’t be because of aspergers or something else. Anyways yeah there’s my take on it

[@southfart196]

Mlp has been my lifelong special interest it means so much to me

[@sera.tonin.]

this is a great video! i loved how you related parts of the show to your own life experiences! its a fresh new take on the show that i can really relate to :) im not autistic but im looking to get diagnosed for ADHD soon! ps- i checked out your channel and saw you ALSO like the band waterparks? they're my favorite band! AND you put a twenty one pilots song in this video?? THEYRE MY SECOND FAVORITE BAND LOL (literally my two special interests in one video lol i just thought it was awesome)

[@mlpdisneylover]

Yes I love Waterparks!! And I’m so glad you’re also a Clikkie! Do you like Panic! At The Disco too by any chance?

[@sera.tonin.]

@@mlpdisneylover i used to listen to them a lot! not so much anymore though :)

[@mlpdisneylover]

@@sera.tonin. ah okay

[@Lil-Pony]

It has been several years when I first watched My Little Pony. It still is a big part of my personality and life.

[@cleopatra1d2]

@@doremirse9950 why do you care so much baout people watch you sound like a middleshcooler

[@sleepingrabbit354]

[obligatory "as an autistic person"] I think this video helped me realize why I grew to love this series so quickly. Makes me wish I gave it a chance years ago.

[@3aya360]

I’m starting to think I’m autistic because I do many of these things that you say autistic people do.

[@BobbyGulleyYoutuber]

I'm autistic myself and this video is very well done!

[@joskibro]

i just want to say that this video makes me less embarrassed to actually be 19 and still learn from this show as an autistic person as i can see that many other autistic people feel the same, thank you for making this

[@AlejandroGonzalez-ej4lp]

I could have been good at science or math, but I had MLP autism.... and I'm so happy :D

[@galaxystargazer3806]

I have autism! No wonder I was so drawn to the show when I was 6!

[@akemi_444]

I relate to Fluttershy a lot. I get along with with animals more than other humans and i am shy and its hard for me to say no too.

[@donyori]

I knew there was some sort of connection. My brother and I are autstic and LOVE MLP. I remember my days masking my special interest was my highest point of depression. I got back in and have never been happier. Autism can sometimes make it hard to have friends, so having your special interest be MLP is very helpful. I carry problem solving from the show, I have a tight community of MLP fans, and my favorite thing is always in the back of my head while doing friendship activities.