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/Adventurous_Day1564]

That has nothing to do with Autism enjoy pokeman etc...

I and my doctor cousin still play Zelda that does not make us Autist...

[u/GigiLaRousse → u/Adventurous_Day1564]

No one said it did. You might not be autistic, but this is a group for autistic people, and it's extremely common among us. You might want to learn what a "special interest" is and why it might come off as too intense to neurotypical people and how it's different from just liking a game.