Nightlight is an autistic unicorn. She's been a star student at the Royal Academy — but she cannot graduate unless she learns to make friends. Fortunately, she's not alone. Nightlight's big brother, along with Princess Skysparkle, has supported her every step of the way. For her summer-school project, she's been sent far away from home — to the town of Friendsville.

Nightlight is one of the most powerful unicorns, with strong academic intelligence. She loves programming spells and solving puzzles, along with writing stories and essays. Unfortunately, it is hard for her to control her powers — especially when she gets angry or afraid. Occasionally, she literally explodes.

Nightlight has had a hard time feeling attached to others. Even so, she feels a strong bond with her big brother (White Night), along with her baby dragon (Tailspade) and Princess Skysparkle. She feels separation anxiety when away from White Night for a long time. Until now, Nightlight has thought, who needs a heart when a heart can be broken? But in building a fortress around herself, she has made herself a prisoner. She is starting to realize this, thanks to those whose love she couldn't resist.

Nightlight is usually not afraid to speak her mind. Unfortunately, she is often too blunt and confrontational. Her house tends to be a mess. Conversely, she can get obsessed with perfection when she's trying to create something.

Nightlight is prone to sensory overload, a common trait of autistic people. She's afraid of places with lots of bright lights, sound, or people, along with the sight and sound of lightning. Nightlight is terrified to take off her glasses; she is virtually blind without them.

In the town of Friendsville, Nightlight is not left to herself. She has a new mentor: David Starlyre — White Night's special student. Starlyre is also autistic. He is doing extra credit to win points with both White Night and Princess Skysparkle. Starlyre's special assignment is to help raise a fellow autistic pony.

As Nightlight finds out, autism is not her limiting factor. With the right attitude, she can overcome her social limitations, along with most of her mental barriers. If she has a heart for friendship, then she can connect with anyone who seeks a true friend.

___

Drawing by Tsitra360. Colored by me.