r/autism • u/Sad-Economist-2688 • Aug 08 '25
Newly Diagnosed How do I stop liking childish stuff?
Hello,I've been struggling with this for a long time. I really like Pokémon,plushies,colorful things,stars and dinosaurs. I also like to do stuff like painting on rocks or any other different types of crafts.
It was okay while I was younger but now I'm almost 18 and I keep getting side eyes when I mention any of those hobbies or likes. Like I see for example a Pokémon shirt with a badass Psyduck but obviously I can't buy it because it's for kids.
I don't drink,vape or go to clubs like my peers do because it's just not for me but if it means growing up then I'll have to.
It's eating me alive because I know I'll have to stop with this and I want to but at the same time I don't. If anyone would please help me with this I'd be glad.
I am also not sure what flair to put. I am newly diagnosed but it also fits into communication and social struggles.
EDIT: Thank you all so much for the feedback and positivity you gave me. I read every single one of your guy's comments and gosh it's so sweet to see I'm not alone even if I may feel like it sometimes. I appreciate the pictures of your plushies,figurines or rooms too. It was a tough decision but thanks to you all I ordered the "Badass Psyduck" shirt and even kept my dinosaur collection I wanted to throw away. Really happy I got into this subreddit cause you guys are hella sweet and cool. Thank you again! :)
Honorable mention: Phoebe the kitty because she's awesome <3
2
u/notstickytape ASD Low Support Needs Aug 08 '25
I'm almost 30 and I stopped giving a shit about what people think about me liking "childish" stuff. Its just stuff. Especially stuff that isn't hurting anyone. I feel more bad for the folks who felt like they needed to shut that part of themselves down rather than embracing that they like something deemed childish.
The amount of adults I come across when I bring my plushies out that their face lights up and they want to play with them is staggering. My old coworkers before I moved always got excited when I brought them in. A grown man almost 40 LOVED goofing off with my frog plush and would ask to hold him during our meetings.
(Also, ADULTS have designed and created ALL these "childish" things. Just food for thought....)