Undertale and Neurodiversity

[@GingerbreadGerard]

I'd like to bring up how the game color codes certain words or actions of importance. A lot of neurodivergent people, myself included, are visual learners and associating something important with a color helps us remember the information in a game that offers a lot of dialogue. I also like to mention the behaviors of sans compared to papyrus. I think sans is a good example of a neurodivergent person in a situation/job that isn't made for them. People with ADHD and ADD lack dopamine, an important chemical in the brain that effects behavior, motivation, mood, energy, learning, etc. the jobs sans works are jobs that rely on other people initiating an action rather than him doing something mentally stimulating, such as when he is stationed for sentry. Sans helps papyrus not because he has an interest in what he's doing but because he loves his brother. In turn, he neglects his own needs, causing him to use more energy (or using up all his spoons in other terms). He is known for sleeping on the job but I think it's because he is using so much energy for a task that doesn't mentally stimulate him and doesn't provide dopamine to the point where he does not have the energy to stay awake. I have a feeling that he is burnt out after running low on energy for so long. Meanwhile papyrus is running around, making puzzles, making friends, and doing what he loves. Papyrus is getting the dopamine and stimulation that his brain needs, that is why he has so much more energy than sans. I think that these two are a really good allegory between a neurodivergent person in a situation that is suited for their needs, and a neurodivergent person in a situation that isn't and the side effects.

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@GingerbreadGerard I didn’t even think of these thank you for bringing them up! Thats such an interesting view about Sans and Papyrus and makes so much sense, even if it wasn’t 100% intentional on Toby’s part that’s such a good representation and example of ND in different environments; I also love your reasoning you mention

[@IsThisABucket1]

Thank you for fueling my undertale obsession further by talking about another special interest of mine: neurodiversity😅. I really feel like these both go hand in hand and I'm getting happy just turning it over in my brain! Also, I love Papyrus so much and have never related to someone more, especially the possible ace representation as well. Sorry for ranting...😅 great vid❤

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@IsThisABucket1 I’m glad you enjoyed! And no worries thank you for the comment and getting to hear what you think ‼️🫶

[@pastelaspirations]

This was a good video! I had been wondering about possible links between Undertale and neurodiversity XD I always thought it might be simply because of how accepting and inclusive it is, but you brought up points I didn't think of! I've had readers who related to how I wrote characters and headcanon that they were neurodivergent, which I thought was interesting because I didn't set out to do that and was just giving them traits of myself. So, u h. Long story short, I'm debating whether I'm neurodivergent too or just have some traits that could resemble it because of extreme anxiety lmao (That and my constant telling of myself over the years that "UnDeRtAlE's JuSt A pHaSe-" is becoming less and less true since I'm *still freaking fixated on it-*)

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@pastelaspirations Ending is so true like idk guys when’s the Undertale phase supposed to end, also thank you I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@iLikeWater-w6p]

I was just diagnosed with autism and ADHD and was initially scared off from undertale by the fandom, plus they pushed sans so much and i just found him boring and thought that he would he pretty much the only character. Im really upset that i didn't get into it earlier because its one of my favorite games.

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@iLikeWater-w6p Valid the fandom is and was insane and I’m glad I found that out after I played the game fr

[@The_Red_FoxYT]

well i knew i was queer but i only suspected my neurodivergence. guess i learned something today :)

[@nazardudko2693]

banger

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@nazardudko2693 And you know bangers

[@Average_sans_gamer]

Very underrated channel

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@Average_sans_gamer 🫶🫡

[@straberymelo]

HELL YEAH BABEYYYYYY

[@TheFog..]

Hello, burp.

[@CosmicBeetle]

@@TheFog.. Bear5!