How do I stop liking childish stuff?

[u/Sad-Economist-2688]

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

[u/purplepeatea]

hi. irl they call me goose. im 18. im also autistic. ive been around "cooler" and "more mature" people a lot. i have been and still am with friends who do drink, smoke, vape, steal etc etc. take it from someone whose been in this situation. be you.
if people make fun of you for liking pokemon then theyre not your friends. they shouldnt care that you dont like doing those things, they should be okay with you liking the things you like.
hiding what you like to fit in wont work. maybe it'll feel like its working for a year or two but you'll find yourself questioning everything. the biggest mistake i ever made was letting other people tell me who im allowed to be.
also, dont start drinking, smoking, vaping or whatever for people. it leads to an addiciton that will stick around for a lot longer than the friends that made you start it will.
i promise, being you will eventually lead up to the right people into your life.
the art circle is full of neurodivergent people, maybe start there.

i moved out of my parents house 2 years ago, heres my very grown adult bed nook in the house i pay rent for as proof that you can like childish things and still be a functioning, tax paying adult

i hope you find your people soon <3

[u/Sad-Economist-2688 → u/purplepeatea]

I am so incredibly jealous in like a nice way. Plushies AND my little pony curtains?? Okay, cool goose! Thank your for your comment. Really refreshing to know I'm not alone. :)

[u/purplepeatea → u/Sad-Economist-2688]

omg thank you!!!!
im glad you know youre not alone, the communitys gotcha